The Kingdom - Page 162/201

"Kuri!" she screamed out in helplessness.

"What is it you want of me Ayaya?"

"I want you!!!"

The torment was suddenly gone and in disbelief she looked up into the face of her first love even as she felt herself being transported higher.

Kuri was looking at her and smiling as he said, "All you had to do was ask."

"But I'm dead!" Ayaya called out in forlorn sorrow, as she gazed upon all that she had walked out on in life in the form of this man.

"And yet, I have conquered death and this place. What is it to you if I should will for you to continue living?" Kuri affirmed as more statement than question.

Crying now, not in brokenness but rather in joy, Ayaya pressed her face into the chest of her betrothed.

"Ayaya."

"Yes my Lord?"

"I need you to lead my people free from the bondage of the spirit of unbelief."

Self-recrimination rose sharply within her at all that she had done, but Kuri spoke into her, dispelling the past with three words, "All is forgiven."

"I will do as you ask and be your witness."

Kuri held her tightly to him as the last bit of the journey passed by quickly.

"Why?" she asked, still unable to comprehend her rescue from torment and darkness.

"I love you Ayaya. I have never stopped in my love for you and my Father's mercy knows no bounds. What has been written will come to pass even as it was predestined by the Father before time began."

"I love you!" Ayaya said dreamily, as Kuri faded from her view.