They followed his gaze and saw them.
The Burning Angels.
Countless figures hovered in the molten sky, suspended like icons etched in divine glass.
Their wings blazed with eternal fire, feathers now embers.
Their halos, once symbols of holiness, had melted into jagged crowns of avarice and pride.
Blindfolded with golden veils, they didn't need eyes, their very presence judged.
Beautiful. Terrifying. Utterly still.
Until they weren't.
*CHIME*
A single, clear bell rang through the oppressive silence, soft, yet deafening in intent.
And then, they moved.
Wings ignited again, golden trails of flame cascading behind them like divine comets. They tilted their heads in perfect unison, facing downward...
Toward Taufik and his party.
"...Here we go," Basukhi growled, flashing his sharp teeth in a grin. A true beast born of war. "They finally moved"
"No sudden moves," Taufik muttered. His voice was calm, but firm. "Let me try something first"
