Ciel's POV
The Court has made its decision.
And with it, the fate of the Archangel Ael.
I watched as judgment was delivered, every word hanging heavy in the air.
"He will be stripped of his title as Archangel," the Head Seraphim declared.
A ripple of shocked whispers swept through the hall.
No—does that mean…? I thought.
"And he will be sent down to the Demon Realm."
The moment the words left her lips, Ael collapsed to his knees.
No. He's going to fall.
"Not as a Fallen," she continued calmly. "This is not a fall—but a punishment."
Ael's head snapped up.
"He will only be permitted to return to Heaven once he has dealt with his brother, Asriel."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
So he isn't fallen.
"Due to the Demon King's plea," she said, turning slightly toward me, "Ael will be spared that fate."
The murmurs grew louder.
"However, he will still take responsibility for his actions by working alongside the Demon King to resolve the threat of Asriel."
