Forced to my knee, buckling under the pressure this being of absolute radiance brought, fear rattled my core like never before. Asmodeus frightened me. Baphomet plagued my nightmares, but I'd never felt like this.
It was so suffocating that death felt so welcoming.
"So our lost sheep has returned. We'd thought you were shepherd away from our land." This man with wings of silver, hair of gold, and a smile that called for justice said.
"Heaven is my home." I weakly answered, almost as if to justify my absence.
"There was a bounty on your head. What home, Seraphina," he asked calmly, the smile on his lips sinking into condescension.
"I… What you say is true." I admitted.
"Most things are." The stranger shook his head. "But it's of no consequence. A change is about to occur. How was Arsene Snow?"
"I'm sorry?" I flinched, confused by why he would---
Of course, this would be about Arsene fucking Snow.
"No need to hide it. We know all about your involvement with Mr. Arsene Snow. Or do you deny it?"
Wanting to nod my head out of spite, I could only hold my tongue before this asshole. This being would see through my lie.
"You didn't have to kill them," I said, pointing towards the ashes from beyond. "We had lost our legacy. We had lost everything."
"And yet when an angel born with the True Law of Concordance. What happened? You tormented him. You pushed Einar into a deep spiral of sin and depravity. To allow such an innocent boy to be more comfortable in the sin of lust than the radiance of our virtues is just downright sickening."
Wordless, I bowed my head. Recalling the scars over his body. Einar had told me his story. He had told me about his time before he became an angel. And what happened when he was born? Torment was a little strong, but it was a real far cry from what he experienced in his past life.
"Do you know why I'm here instead of with him? Because he earned the right to be an angel. That boy has so much fate and so much compassion despite being surrounded by sin; his virtues still stand without impurity."
"Who are you?" I couldn't help but ask, glancing at the two cold bodies of my brethren dead beside the Silvery Gates.
"Archangel Uriel, former Cherub of his Majesty the One." He said on to me with such pride and virtue I felt myself quake beneath his seraphic nature.
Unsure what to do, I bowed my head, unable to speak. "I was sent here to wipe those that have betrayed our Lord Father. And you, Seraphina, are to be taken before the Tribunal to be judged."
"How many," I asked, somehow finding the words. I lifted my head to Uriel, knowing I shouldn't, knowing it was a crime, but I wanted to look him in the eye.
"Too many." He replied, as his eyes grew soft. "Two-thirds have either been killed or banished to wander the Earth for all eternity."
My heart trembled as tears swelled. "How could they betray if they didn't know."
Uriel closed his eyes as if swallowed by the pain of what he had done. That pride in his demeanor crumbled to ash as he shook his head. "Because despite not having the full version of the Law of Concordance. It spoke of virtue. It spoke of righteousness. And your people did none of that. You yourself were so close to becoming a fallen through Arsene that you didn't even realize it. How could we not bring you before the Tribunal?"
"And Arsene? He's waiting on me."
"Then he waits. Seraphina, you are, without a doubt, innocent. Even I'm clear on that. This is merely a formality. However, it is something we must do. And whatever punishment is given will determine—"
"Arsene Snow." I began, looking up at him. "He will not allow one of his own to be judged. He might not know now, but he will one day."
"You think we fear him? A reborn child without a clue how manipulated he is?" Uriel voiced through narrowed eyes that seemed to sparkle amusement.
"I think you're weary of him," I admitted. Fear wouldn't make sense for an Archangel. The peak of all angels.
"The Snow family isn't of concern. Far from it. Zariel might be. But not Arsene. Not yet, anyway." Uriel said, without pride in his tone. He looked me in the eye with a deadly coldness that spoke volumes of confidence. "Both are too young to truly be a threat by themselves."
"Which is why I'm here," A chilling voice, unlike anything I had ever felt before, resounded as we turned towards the black-masked individual. Appearing as if he'd just left a king's court. He was donned in black and white with his hair tied in a neat ponytail.
Sensing nothing, not even the sins or virtues billowing off his flesh, unease crept into my heart as he stared at Uriel.
"Zero." Uriel coldly said. "This is an internal matter."
"Far from it. Seraphina is a spy for the Protector." He said, startling me as my jaw dropped. " And I would appreciate it if you released her. Seraphina has the right to enter and leave whenever she pleases."
"That's bullshit!"
"Just the opposite. Zariel has that right. We both know this. Balor was the one to commit the highest level of treason; he even managed to sit on this realm's throne. There is no greater sin, Uriel."
"Do not test me, Forsaken. I'm in no mood." Barked Uriel like a wounded beast looking for blood.
"Control your sin, or is it that time again?" Zero snorted. "Seraphina will be coming with us and will continue the duties she once had until Zariel no longer requires her."
"And when would that be?"
"I'd suspect when he is no longer the Protector." He effortlessly responded. " Till then, I hope you respect the Protectors division. After all, he is trying to stop events like this from happening."
"You… You're a bastard Zero. A real bastard. We both know this is bullshit."
"I have documentation. But you are free to believe whatever you want. It's not my problem. But Seraphina will be leaving with me. Period"
"Heaven was pure before you, and that devil came."
"Your perception of Heaven was pure, but the day Lucifer fell, it became imperfect. The laws that govern you became tools of oppression that gave birth to an Angel that committed the first sin."
"You think it's our fault Lucifer betrayed us! Are you mad!"
A mist of darkness pooled form out of the shadow of where Zero's eyes should be as he laughed with clear derision. "It's all hearsay as far as I can see. But… it does beg the question. Who is in the wrong?"
"Lucifer." uriel insisted.
"Hmph, we'll see. Come along, Seraphina. My time is valuable, and I'll not have it wasted."