Thousands of Years Ago...
Lucan stood in the heart of the Celestial Hall, his dark, demonic attire contrasting sharply with the radiant marble columns and golden light that flooded the room. Across from him stood Xavier, god-king of the heavenly realms, his once-calm demeanor twisted by rage. Between them lay not only a clash of ideals but a friendship that had weathered centuries-now on the verge of shattering.
"Xavier, you can't possibly do this," Lucan said, his voice low yet fierce. "You can't punish Glory with the staff of destruction. She's your wife."
Xavier's gaze was a cold blaze. "So what if she's my wife?" he spat, his words filled with anguish. "The people of the heavenly realms trusted her, as did I. She betrayed that trust."
"She only practiced black magic," Lucan replied, trying to reason with him. "What could be wrong with that?"
"Everything is wrong with it!" Xavier's voice thundered through the hall. "She endangered this entire realm-her people, her own family. She risked their lives for her own reckless pursuit of power."
Lucan took a step forward, concern etched into his features. "You and I both understand the immense power of the staff of destruction, Xavier. It's not something to wield out of anger. It was meant as a last resort, not a weapon to be used on your own wife."
Xavier's eyes blazed. "This is your doing, Lucan. If you had kept your black magic scrolls hidden, as we agreed, Glory would never have discovered them, let alone practiced such dangerous spells. This is as much your responsibility as hers."
Lucan's heart sank at his friend's words, a deep regret mingling with the resentment building within him. But he steadied himself, his voice soft yet filled with warning. "I only hope your rage doesn't destroy you, Xavier."
With that, Lucan turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the silent hall.
---
Three days later, Xavier entered the punishment chamber, his anger rippling through the air like a storm. Subjects gathered, awaiting the king's decree for Glory's fate, their whispers falling silent as Xavier paced the room.
Suddenly, a royal guard burst in, his face pale. He approached Xavier and whispered urgently, "Sir, the staff-it's gone!"
Xavier's eyes widened in shock. "How is that possible?" His gaze swept over the room until it landed on Lucan, who stood in the chamber's shadowed corner.
"You... you did this," Xavier growled, his voice like thunder.
Lucan met his glare unflinchingly. "It was the right thing to do, Xavier. You can't condemn Glory to a fate beyond death itself."
Xavier's fury grew, his voice rising. "You don't understand what's right, Lucan. Black magic is dangerous-life-threatening-and justice must be served."
"But not with the staff of destruction," Lucan argued, stepping forward. "Do you even realize what that weapon would do to her? It would erase her soul entirely, deny her any chance of rebirth. Is that what you want?"
Lucan reached out, placing a hand on Xavier's shoulder, but Xavier brushed him off violently. In a heartbeat, Xavier lashed out, and the two clashed, their powers sparking in a fierce struggle as they fought. Celestial light collided with shadowy energy, creating a tempest that shook the chamber's very walls.
"I warned you not to interfere in the affairs of the heavenly realms," Xavier hissed as they fought. "What I do with Glory is to protect this realm, not destroy it."
"There's another way to handle this, Xavier!" Lucan argued, his voice a mix of desperation and defiance as he fought against his friend's unyielding power. "But using the staff-it's a path you'll never be able to turn back from."
Xavier's face twisted with fury, his final words a decree of banishment. "You, Lucan, are a threat to this realm," he said, his voice icy with finality. "From this day forward, you and your kind are banished. Take your demons and leave the heavenly realms. You are no longer welcome here. Anyone who associates with demons will be punished."
"Xavier, it hasn't come to this," Lucan protested. "We are best friends, and we promised to protect each other. Why make this decree?"
But Xavier remained unmoved, his eyes hardened. In silence, Lucan turned and left, his footsteps the last sound in a chamber that had witnessed the breaking of a bond once thought unbreakable.
---
Present Day...
Mazikeen stood in her glory, sharing tales of the stars with a group of young angels who listened in rapt attention.
"Goddess Maze," as she liked to be called, "do all the stars have a name?" one of the little angels asked.
"Of course, they all have names," she replied with a warm smile.
"Please tell us their name's" they pleaded
"Don't worry. Next time, I'll tell you some of their names, for now today's meeting is over" The children cheered before happily running off as she wrapped up the gathering.
~~~~~~
"You know, you aren't very good at hiding," she called with a smile as the children left.
A rich, smooth voice answered her from the shadows. "What can I say to that, my lady?"
Mazikeen turned, her heart fluttering as she met the gaze of the man she utterly loved and admired. Thorold, the demon prince, stood before her, an imposing figure of magnetic beauty. His finely sculpted jawline and high cheekbones gave him a chiseled look, while his intense, glowing with a demonic allure, deep-set and filled with a dark intelligence. His gaze is unsettling yet entrancing, capable of holding anyone's attention with a mere look, as if he can see right into their soul. His black robe, embroidered with shimmering red patterns, that seem to writhe and shift in the light, clung to him like living shadows. Giving an impression of dark power, his entire presence is a careful balance of elegance, a creature of darkness with an undeniable charm..
"You know it's dangerous for you to be here in the heavenly realms," Maze said, worry flashing across her face. "What if the guards catch you?"
"I have it covered," Thorold said, trying to ease her fears.
"It still doesn't matter. You would be executed if they caught you," she insisted, her worry intensifying.
"My demon essence won't be detected. I always make sure to hide it," he replied, attempting to calm her.
"Thorold, you know how much I worry," Maze said softly.
Thorold sighed, giving in. "Fine, I'll be more careful."
"Come with me" Maze said and took his hand as they ran off. He already knew where they were going, she was taking him to their hide out to avoid attracting attention reasons being he was a demon and she was you know a heavenly star goddess and it was against the heavenly realms law for the demons and the heavenly subjects to be seen together, the punishment was death by torture. Then you can imagine what would happen if he was seen with a goddess, still, neither of them are willing to separate from one another.
"Why did you come here? I told you I would find a way to see you," Maze asked as they sat together, her hand resting in his.
"It's been three days," he said with a faint smirk. "I missed you."
Maze shook her head, laughing softly. "It's only been a day, Thorold."
"Still," he said, his voice softening. "I missed my bride."
"I know you do and I missed you too" she said and caressed his jawline "I'll be going to the mountains soon for cultivation," she murmured.
Thorold frowned. "Can't it wait?" he asked looking at her eyes