1 year later
Kael's third birthday was anything but ordinary. In hell, birthdays were more like ceremonies, especially for someone like Kael, a Nephilim—the rare offspring of angel and demon blood. His decision to align with either his angelic or demonic heritage would shape not only his destiny but also his family's.
The ceremony was held in the grand infernal hall of their castle. Dark red flames flickered on obsidian pillars, casting long, eerie shadows. A crowd of demons and fallen angels filled the room, murmuring in anticipation. Ere'ana stood near the edge of the hall, her golden halo shimmering with unease. She clutched Kikidori's arm tightly, her knuckles pale.
"Relax, Ere'ana," Kikidori said, his tone nonchalant. "It's his choice. You can't force him to be something he's not."
Ere'ana glared at him. "I know that, but—" She paused, her voice trembling. "I'm just praying he chooses what's right. Being a demon will destroy him. It'll—"
"It'll make him stronger," Kikidori interrupted, his crimson eyes glinting. "He's my son. He'll thrive."
Kael, meanwhile, stood in the center of the hall, fidgeting nervously. His small, white-and-black wings fluttered with uncertainty, and his mismatched halos hovered above his head like a seesaw, shifting slightly toward the darker half.
"Kael," a booming voice echoed. It was Lucifer, standing at the throne with an amused grin. "It's time."
Kael gulped and looked toward his parents. Ere'ana gave him a shaky smile, her bright eyes brimming with hope. Kikidori smirked, his arms crossed, confident in his son's decision.
Kael stepped forward. A large, ornate mirror appeared before him, showing two reflections: one of him with glowing white wings and a full golden halo, and the other with dark, fiery wings and jagged black horns sprouting from his head.
"Just touch the reflection of what you want to become," Lucifer said. "Simple."
Kael hesitated, staring at both images. The angelic version of himself looked peaceful, serene—like his mother. The demonic version, however, radiated power, freedom, and strength—like his father.
The room grew silent, the tension almost unbearable. Ere'ana clasped her hands together, silently praying. Kikidori raised an eyebrow, his tail swishing slightly.
Kael reached out slowly, his hand trembling as it hovered between the two reflections. Then, with a sudden burst of determination, he pressed his hand firmly against the demonic image.
Gasps echoed through the hall. Ere'ana's heart shattered. She staggered backward, tears spilling down her cheeks. "No," she whispered.
Kikidori, however, let out a triumphant laugh. "That's my boy!" he roared, walking up to Kael and lifting him into the air. "You've made the right choice."
Kael's wings darkened, turning entirely black, and his halos fused into a single, jagged ring of crimson energy. He blinked up at his father, unsure of how to feel.
Ere'ana ran out of the hall, unable to contain her heartbreak.
Kael reached for her as she left. "Mom?" he called out, his voice small and confused.
Kikidori placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Don't worry about her, kid. She'll come around. You're a demon now—one of us. Be proud."
Kael nodded hesitantly, but deep down, he felt a pang of guilt.
The ceremony ended with cheers from the demons, but a heavy silence lingered between Kael and his mother. The choice had been made, but its consequences were only beginning to unfold.
The end of Chapter 1