The heavenly realm has always been majestic, with its gigantic painted skies of gold and silver, which indicate the place of every celestial, every clan, and every deity being governed only by the Supreme Heavenly Lord. And tonight, the palace looked even more prosperous than it always did. The feast was prepared for months, with the invitation addressed to each of the gods and spirits and all clans to join the grand feast and rejoice for another year of prosperity and harmony under the guidance of the Supreme Heavenly Lord. The palace shone like gold and was covered in jewels; the grand hall glittered with silken robes and glowing lanterns.
Thana had no desire to be here.
Hidden in the netherworld as usual, she had been content to do her duty—guiding souls across the river, ensuring that those who had been banished from the heavens found their way to the mortal realm. But Seraphiel, her long-time friend and the only one who didn't treat her like an outcast, had insisted.
"You need to get out more," Seraphiel had said, grabbing her hand before she could protest. His wings spread out in happiness, and he pulled Thana into the portal to the Heavenly realm.
"I shouldn't be here," Thana whined, crossing the palace walls and tugging the collar of her black cloak closer to her face.
"Nonsense!" Seraphiel grinned. "You are a celestial, whether you wish to be or not." You just need to... blend in a little better."
Blend in. Right. As if Thana could ever blend in here. Her role as a death reaper made her stand out from other individuals in the Heavenly realm. While the others shimmered in laughter and joy, she dwelled in the shadows of the netherworld, transporting souls to the mortal world. She wore her dark cloak as a shield that covered her from all the splendid gold and silver.
When they stepped inside the grand hall, she was amazed by the lavish quality of the decor. The walls were filled with gold, and the floor was made of crystal that glinted under the warm lights from above. Among them were hundreds of celestials and deities, happily chatting and chuckling in the room. Wherever she turned her eyes, she could see groups of deities—lovelier than the other, dressed in splendid garments and sparkling pieces of jewelry.
However, it was not long before people began to pay attention to her.
"Is that...?"
"The death reaper?"
"What is she doing here?"
Thana felt their eyes on her and heard their whispers carried on the wind like poison.
Thana felt their eyes on her and heard their whispers carried on the wind like poison. They never said anything to her face, but the mocking was always there, loud enough so that she could hear it.
"Don't mind them," Seraphiel whispered, and pressed the young woman's fingers in encouragement. "They're just jealous. You do more important work than all of them combined."
Thana let out a small, humorless laugh. "Right. That's exactly what they're thinking."
She was used to this by now. The judgment, the whispers. Being part of the heavenly realm in name only.
"Let's just find a seat," she mumbled, tugging her cloak even tighter.
As they moved through the hall, the crowd parted slightly, though not out of respect. They wanted to keep their distance from her as if her mere presence would bring the gloom of the netherworld into their perfect lives. Seraphiel led her to the farthest corner of the hall, where the lights didn't reach as brightly, and the laughter was a little more muted.
"Here's good," Thana said, slipping into a seat at the very edge of the hall. From here, she could observe everything without being part of it—a position she had grown all too familiar with. Seraphiel, ever the optimist, patted her shoulder.
"I'll be right back. I'm going to say hi to a few people."
She nodded, grateful for the space, and watched as he disappeared into the crowd. Alone now, Thana pulled her hood down lower, hiding herself from the curious stares. But she could still hear them.
"Why is she even here?"
"Shouldn't she be in the netherworld, doing her... job?"
"She's a reaper. Doesn't belong here with us."
Thana clenched her fists under the table but didn't react. She had learned long ago that it was easier to stay quiet. No matter what she said, they would never accept her.
A sudden hush fell over the room, breaking her thoughts. The music stopped, and every head turned toward the grand entrance. Thana sat up slightly, curious despite herself.
A tall celestial with a voice that carried through the hall, stepped forward. "Presenting the Supreme Heavenly Lord!"
Every celestial, deity, and clan leader in the room immediately stood, bowing deeply. Even from her distant seat, Thana could feel the shift in the air. A wave of reverence, awe, and perhaps a little fear washed over the hall as the Supreme Heavenly Lord entered.
Thana didn't stand. She watched from her seat, her eyes narrowing slightly as the Supreme Heavenly Lord made his entrance.
He everything these people said that he was – a tall man with silvery hair down to his waist and clad in a robe that was intricately sewn with gold. Emotionless and cold, but he was a good-looking man. His presence commanded attention, not because of any outward display of power; and a figure that carried a certain kind of power without needing to say a word.
As he walked through the hall, celestial bowing deeply as he passed. He did not stare at anyone, although his eyes roamed round the hall, absorbing the grandeur of the event.
Thana kept her hood low, not wanting to draw his attention. She didn't bow, didn't stand.
The Supreme Heavenly Lord reached the front of the hall, and the speaker raised his hands for silence, though the room was already deathly quiet.
The Supreme Heavenly Lord spoke, his voice deep and calm, carrying through the hall with ease. "Tonight, we celebrate the peace and unity of the realms. Through our efforts, we have maintained balance, prosperity, and order."
He slowly looked at the people around him, yet one could not read the emotion in his eyes. "We must not forget the sacrifices that have been given to gain this peace. Therefore, let us keep fighting for unity and the sake of Three Realms. "
His words were met with applause, though Thana noticed that his speech, much like the man himself, lacked warmth. It was all formality, all duty. That was it, not even an ounce of passion, let alone sheer joy, could be sensed from his speech.
A golden confetti that resembled stars began to fall from the sky. Everyone stood and roared with joy and applauded for the Supreme Heavenly Lord.
"Long live the Supreme Heavenly Lord!"
"May his reign be eternal!" Thana sat quietly through it all, her face hidden in the shadows. She could see the admiration in the eyes of the celestials, but to her, it all felt... empty.
After the speech, the real spectacle began.
The heads from different clans were eager to woo the Supreme Heavenly Lord, and they all introduced their daughters. Each one of them brought out their daughters to him, beautiful girls almost swallowing the beauty of their mothers, dressed in the most expensive silks and wearing jewelry that gleamed in the light.
"May the light be with you, Supreme Heavenly Lord" one deity said, bowing deeply, "this is my daughter, Lysandra." he is skilled in divine arts and has been trained by the greatest masters."
Lysandra, a tall and graceful deity with long flowing hair, bowed elegantly before the Lord. But the Supreme Heavenly Lord's expression didn't change. He gave a polite nod, but nothing more.
Another deity stepped forward, introducing his daughter, then another, and another. Each one was more beautiful, more talented, and more desperate to gain his favor.
Thana watched from the shadows, a faint frown on her lips. The Supreme Heavenly Lord remained cold, and distant, no matter how many deities introduced their daughters. What was also evident was his complete disinterest towards them.
At the same time, there were questions that occurred in her mind: What were they all fighting for? Approval? Power? Status?
Thana sighed softly, leaning back in her seat. She was glad she didn't have to be part of this world.