Music recommendation: Court Demonstration by Joseph Trapenesy on Spotify.
In the heart of the celestial city stands a grand hall with the beacon shining at the epicenter of the majestic building. Towering arches stretch toward the heavens, crafted from a luminous stone that flickers with iridescent hues, reflecting the colors of twilight. Streams of light cast through stained glass windows, depicting scenes of cosmic battles and divine peace, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the marble floors below.
The air within the grand hall vibrates with a palpable energy, filled with reverence and purpose. At the center, a vast circular table made of obsidian stone, contrasting with its pastel counterpart. Its surface is etched with ancient runes and symbols of divinity. Around it, the archangels gather, their imposing figures cloaked in robes that shimmer like the night sky, adorned with golden accents that catch the light in a dance of brilliance.
Each archangel represents a different aspect of the celestial order; their wings extended slightly, creating an aura of majesty and authority. Their discussions, marked by gravity and discretion, resonate through the hall. You can sense the weight of their responsibilities as they deliberate on matters of the realm.
In the corners of the hall, glowing orbs of light float gently, illuminating the space with a soft, divine glow. They flicker and pulsate in tune with the archangels' conversations as if sharing wisdom and insights with the celestial beings. If only majestic harmony could be said among the concerned faces of the gathered group.
"Another village has fallen victim while we bicker and argue about the sanctum of our city. Are we not brought here to guide and protect?" Archangel Raphael voiced out, his fist slamming on the table as the dim orbs pulsed around him.
"We have already exhausted our resources and manpower. Any more, and our walls would be overwhelmed, and our people would be left to suffer," Archangel Chamuel rationalized, adjusting his glasses, as he sat next to Archangel Uriel. With the prosperity of Eden came the strict laws all citizens had to abide by.
Archangel Uriel chimed with another pressing issue, "What of the border in Umbra, the walls of Dutan? The nomads have grown desperate and seek refuge within our city."
"So let them in. We are benevolent to all the Creator's making, are we not," Archangel Jophiel replied with a serene smile; with a flare, she flicked her perfect straight chestnut locks over her shoulder, glancing at Uriel.
"I don't agree with those who worship a false idol. They should ask their god for guidance and not seek refuge in Eden," Archangel Chamuel disagreed as he glared at Jophiel. She would welcome anyone from any walk of life with no judgment or care—Kamuel valued order. He wasn't the man to cast judgment and force their beliefs down their throats, but he refused to open the gates to any stray.
The complaints piled up one after another, and no solution was voiced. For one that held the power, no one seemed in agreement. Two seats were absent, and one archangel stared at the two vacant seats with annoyance. The cacophony of voices brought him out of his deep thoughts before he finally spoke.
"Have our scouts returned with news in Evrax?"
All voices quieted as they peered at the source. His wings gleamed in a pristine white glow, his uniform with intricate design. His piercing golden irises trailed across the grand table, looking at every one of his brethren for the answer before he sighed. Archangel Michael was the highest authority, the right hand of the Almighty. His voice carried weight, and his judgment was law. He would be considered king, but his reverence to the Creator would never cling to such ideology.
The people in the room were aware of the lone outcome of their lack of assisting the territory of Evrax. Unfortunately, they were too late to respond and too busy to deal with the aftermath it left in their absence.
"They have, Archangel Michael," Chamuel answered grimly, clenching his fists tightly and closing his eyes in bitterness. "Ten Villages and two cities have fallen, and our sentinels stationed perished in the line of duty."
Michael's sharp jaw clenched at the revelation. No creature could move swiftly and raise cities to the ground in a single night—unless.
The room's temperature grew hot and oppressive as Michael clenched his fist and pulsated flame etched in sparks. His aura did not faze the archangels in the room as they adapted—it didn't mean they liked it.
"Evrax, along with the other domains, has long been at peace; who would want to wage war with the people of Acheron?" Jophiel questioned as the rest held the same reservation.
"It's not who would wage war, dear Jophiel. 'What' is the real question." A smooth voice echoed as gilded double doors opened to reveal the very archangel who was tardy to the summit. Ivory flowing white hair with braids held his hair behind as his lean but muscular stature graced the room. His golden eyes had an air of intelligence and calculation, but his smile was humble.
"And to answer that question is rather simple. I'm astonished no one has come to the same conclusion."
"It's not that we don't know the answer, Gabriel. We refuse to acknowledge them," Uriel remarked. All eyes were trained on the figure who showed up fashionably late.
Gabriel tilted his head and probed, "Demons? They have walked the realm of existence since the dawn of time. I would rather state it as it is."
"Archangel Gabriel," Michael called to him and said, "You're late."
"Apologies, Archangel Michael, but I was held up by disturbing news that had just arrived," Gabriel humbly bowed before taking his seat next to Michael. Gabriel held the third seat of authority. Another candidate initially held that power, as the seat to his right remained vacant. Not a speck of dust settled on its surface, but the rest of the group understood that the seat alone had remained vacant for some time.
Michael sighed at Gabriel's excuse. He despised tardiness but would let it slide since all were present.
"What have you found, Gabriel?" Getting to the point, Michael stated.
Gabriel smiled coyly at Michael, leaving Michael to scowl at him slightly.
"The 'demons' have found what they have been searching for centuries. The Vessel of Calamity and destruction itself. Plunging this realm into darkness and bringing about the very being of inferno Luc—"
The room plunged into a sweltering heat as the source glared daggers at Gabriel for speaking further.
"Don't. You. Dare. Speak his name," Michael warned Gabriel, ending each word with disdain.
Silence reigned the great hall as all eyes were trained on Gabriel. It was considered taboo even to utter the name in the sanctum of Eden—lest they wish to receive the wrath of Michael.
A pounded fist slammed against the table across from Gabriel, "IMPOSSIBLE!" Chamuel shouted in disdain. "We destroyed all articles and creatures related to the vessel. I made sure of it."
"Are you sure?" Gabriel challenged Chamuel's statement. "It seems to me the job was not done properly."
"Gabriel," Michael warned with a stern glare, and Gabriel shrugged.
Chamuel was tongue-tied. All he could do was glare at Gabriel. The blood that spilled that day was for the sake of peace, an inevitable sacrifice. The air was stifling, and Michael reigned his anger in, wanting Gabriel to continue.
"It's not your fault such slippery creatures fall through the cracks. Trimming the branches won't do much good unless you uproot it, no? My sources revealed an oracle the demons met spoke of a prophecy."
"Yes, yes. We know of this as it was shared years ago. What is the point of sharing it now?" Jophiel asked as she lazily slouched with her elegant knuckles holding her jaw, as if Gabriel could drag this meeting on with his speeches alone.
"Don't you find it odd that the areas they had laid waste have finally stopped?" Gabriel questioned and expected no one to answer, but Chammuel cleared his throat to speak.
"Many of our scouts that ventured north of Evrax and the edges of Ozend have yet to return. The only updated report we have received is regarding Acheron."
Speaking of Evrax, Uriel felt guilt creeping into his heart as the many lives lost. He enquired, "Is there nothing we can do for the citizens and give aid to Evrax?"
"And what? Disrupt the balance with the other domains? Alpha Viktor is obligated to uphold his end and protect his territory. We cannot placate to one domain without creating an imbalance to the other territories," Raphael pointed, as the rest nodded in agreement.
The people's unrest grew troublesome, and the high council has yet to find a solution to these rising issues.
"Get to the point, Gabriel. I grow tired of you leading us on." Michael declared as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"As you all know. The demons have procured the vessel after all these years."
"Are you certain? Can it be destroyed?" Jophiel gleamed in curiosity. Was it an artifact? A weapon of mass destruction? She crossed her palms over the other while her chin rested above them to show interest in what it entailed.
"After all these years of peace and prosperity. It pains to see it all destroyed?" the angel took the spotlight as he feigned sorrow and anguish.
"Knowing you, Archangel Gabriel, you must have a solution," Michael's dark expression glanced at Gabriel.
Gabriel smiled as he squinted towards Michael, "Indeed I do."
The sun beamed rays of light, illuminating the archways. Casted rays of light, shining vines intricately twining around each pillar. Flowing streams flowed along the edges of the pathway, with a variety of fishes swimming before fleeing from the shadows that cast as Abigael led Leo and Lyra onward. Lyra felt she was in a sanctum of sorts because of the cleanliness and elegance it gave.
Lady Abigael and Leo walked a few paces ahead, discussing various topics, from Abigael's well-being to the security of the stronghold. Leo was not impressed by the hospitality he had received earlier but was relieved that his home remained secure.
"I can't believe you're finally back, Leo," Abigael said as she wrapped her arms around his firm arm, keeping up with his long strides. Her smile was wide with untamed excitement while Leo gave a small smile in return. The scene gobsmacked Lyra before her; she averted her eyes immediately from the affectionate couple. Her eyes drifted to the golden-scaled fish swimming in circles before veering in different directions in the pond beside her. She felt a bitter taste in her mouth. She had never seen the aloof iceberg give a warm smile in her presence.
Sure, he had a heart somewhere in that cold, dark hole in his chest, but this version of him left her feeling…lonely. She thought he could relate to her somehow and find solace in the absence. In the end, she knew she was getting herself into the moment their journey would come to an end. They would part ways and move on with their life.
She knelt closely to the water as her thoughts grew somber. Leo didn't notice Lyra's absence until the footsteps he heard behind him grew faint before stopping completely. He abruptly stopped, halting Abigael as she was confused by the stop. Leo turned back and was about to call out to the dawdling troublemaker until his eyes grew sharp and his body tensed.
"Are you alright, miss? What seems to trouble you?" a sweet baritone voice broke the trail of thoughts that plagued Lyra's mind as she turned to look up, only to widen in disbelief.