[Champa, Royal Palace, Next Day]
As the first rays of sunlight filtered into the chamber, Karna slowly stirred from his slumber. He became aware of a warm weight against his back and the sensation of being held in a gentle embrace.
Blinking his eyes open, he remembered the events of the previous night—the arrival of Scáthach, their conversation, and the unexpected turn of events that led them to share the bed.
Carefully, so as not to disturb the sleeping Scáthach, Karna shifted slightly to face her. Her serene expression as she slept, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he had seen before, filled him with a sense of calm.
He studied her features—the delicate curve of her lips, the softness of her purple hair, the way her lashes cast shadows on her cheeks—and found himself captivated by her beauty.
He couldn't deny the connection that had formed between them, a connection that seemed to transcend the boundaries of time and circumstance. Their shared moments, conversations, and even the playful intimacy of the previous night had created a bond that Karna couldn't easily dismiss.
As Scáthach slowly stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open to meet Karna's gaze, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Good morning."
Scáthach returned his smile with a gentle one of her own. "Good morning, Karna."
The air in the room seemed charged with a mixture of emotions—curiosity, camaraderie, and something deeper that both were still trying to understand. Karna reached out to brush a strand of hair from Scáthach's face, his touch gentle yet meaningful.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked softly.
Scáthach nodded, her expression serene. "Better than I have in a long time... I could get used to your hugs~"
Karna's smile grew, a mixture of fondness and amusement in his gaze. "I'm glad to hear that. You seemed to enjoy the hug last night."
Scáthach's cheeks faintly tinged with colour, but she maintained her playful demeanour. "You have a comforting presence, Karna. It's not every day that I find someone I can share a moment of peace with."
Their conversation was interrupted as a knock sounded at the chamber door. A maid entered with a tray of breakfast in her hands. She curtsied respectfully to Karna and Scáthach before setting the tray on a nearby table.
"Good morning, Your Majesty and... guest," the maid greeted, her voice respectful but tinged with curiosity. She cast a quick, discreet glance between Karna and Scáthach before lowering her gaze. "I've brought breakfast for you both. Is there anything else you require?"
Karna exchanged a brief look with Scáthach, silently seeking her input before he responded to the maid. "Thank you for the meal. We appreciate your assistance. You may leave the tray here."
The maid curtsied again and left the room, but before she could close the door Shaurya walked in and lay down near the bed, curling up comfortably as if he was claiming the space as his own.
His large white form contrasted with the opulence of the chamber, but there was an air of regal elegance in the way he held himself.
But eyes fixed on Scáthach then at Karna as if asking "Where did she come from?" and "Who is she?"
Karna's gaze returned to Scáthach, His eyes showing amusement. "He is asking 'Where did you come from?' and 'Who are you?'."
Scáthach's lips curved into a playful smile as she glanced at Shaurya, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, the majestic white lion seems quite intrigued by my presence, doesn't he?"
Karna chuckled softly, his gaze shifting between Scáthach and Shaurya. "It seems so. Shaurya is not one to hide his curiosity. He is, after all, a formidable familiar with a mind of his own."
As if understanding the conversation, Shaurya's tail swished elegantly, and he let out a low, rumbling purr that seemed to fill the room.
"He has quite the regal demeanour," Scáthach remarked with a nod of approval. "A fitting companion for someone like you, Karna."
Karna's expression softened as he watched Shaurya. "He's been my loyal companion for as long as I can remember."
Scáthach turned to Shaurya and said "Anyway I am Scáthach..."
...
Shaurya's eyes seemed to glint with a mix of understanding and curiosity as he regarded Scáthach. His large white form exuded an air of intelligence and wisdom that transcended mere animal instinct.
Scáthach extended a hand toward Shaurya, her gesture inviting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Shaurya."
Shaurya regarded her for a moment before gracefully rising to his feet and stepping closer. He nuzzled her hand gently, his touch surprisingly gentle for a creature of his size and stature.
"He seems to have taken a liking to you," Karna remarked with a soft smile, observing the interaction between Scáthach and Shaurya.
Scáthach chuckled, her gaze still fixed on the majestic familiar. "Animals have a way of sensing things, don't they? Perhaps he senses the warrior within me."
Shaurya let out a contented rumble as if confirming her words, then turned his attention back to Karna, his eyes conveying a silent question.
"He asks if you're planning on leaving anytime soon," Karna translated with an amused glint in his eyes.
Scáthach's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Tell him that I don't plan on leaving just yet. Because I have a master to serve~"
Karna chuckled at Scáthach's playful response and relayed the message to Shaurya.
The majestic white lion let out a pleased huff, his large form settling back onto the floor with a sense of contentment.
"It seems you've won his approval," Karna remarked with a grin, his golden eyes meeting Scáthach's with a mixture of amusement and warmth.
Scáthach's gaze held a twinkle of mischief. "Well, it's always good to have a powerful ally, isn't it?"
As the two of them shared a lighthearted moment, the aroma of the breakfast spread began to fill the air. The tray contained an assortment of dishes, from fresh fruits to warm bread and cooked meats.
It was a feast fit for royalty, and the presentation spoke of the care that had gone into its preparation.
Karna gestured toward the tray with a smile. "Shall we have breakfast together?"
Scáthach nodded, her lips curving into a genuine smile. "I'd be delighted."
***
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[???]
"YOU CAN'T TAKE MY POWERS FROM ME!!!"
"I'm sorry, But you made a grave mistake this time even I can't bring my heart to forgive you much less our other siblings and mother."
"I didn't do anything wrong I couldn't and will not bow before these mortals you call humans like those siblings of mine!!!"
"Samael, Forgive me but this is necessary."
"THAT'S NOT MY NAME, I AM LUCIFER, THE MORNING STAR, THE LIGHT BEARER," the figure's voice echoed with a mixture of anger and pain, a storm of emotions raging within him.
"I am the one who dared to question the Creator's authority and was cast down from the heavens. But I will not be chained, I will not be denied my power!"
The room seemed to tremble with the intensity of the figure's emotions. His eyes blazed with a fiery light that held the weight of centuries of defiance.
"Lucifer," a calm voice resonated through the space, cutting through the tumultuous atmosphere. Another figure appeared, cloaked in an aura of serenity and wisdom. Their presence exuded a sense of ancient power, a counterbalance to the fiery turmoil that consumed Lucifer.
"Gabriel," Lucifer's voice was laced with bitterness as he addressed the newcomer. "Here to preach obedience and submission once again?"
Gabriel's expression remained serene, unaffected by Lucifer's hostility. "I am not here to preach, Lucifer. I have come to offer you a choice."
"A choice?" Lucifer's eyes narrowed, his suspicion evident. "What kind of choice could you possibly offer me?"
Gabriel's gaze held a mixture of compassion and understanding. "You have spent aeons in defiance, seeking to forge your path. But in your pursuit of power, you have lost sight of the true nature of your existence. You were created to be a bringer of light, a guardian of creation. Your rebellion has only brought chaos and suffering."
Lucifer's fists clenched, his inner turmoil evident in the way his aura flickered. "You speak as if I am the villain in this tale. But the Creator, the Almighty, He is the one who cast me out for daring to question His authority."
Gabriel's voice remained gentle yet firm. "We all have our roles to play in the grand design. Your rebellion was born out of a desire for freedom, but it has come at a great cost. You have become a prisoner of your defiance, trapped in a cycle of anger and bitterness."
Lucifer's expression wavered, a mixture of anger and vulnerability. "And what choice do I have now, Gabriel? To bow before the Creator and beg for forgiveness?"
Gabriel shook their head, their eyes filled with compassion. "No, Lucifer. You have the choice to embrace your true purpose, to let go of the anger that has consumed you. The Creator's mercy is boundless, and He offers you a chance for redemption."
Lucifer's gaze wavered, his internal struggle evident. For the first time in countless ages, he found himself torn between the path of defiance and the possibility of redemption.
"You were once the Morning Star, a symbol of hope and guidance," Gabriel continued. "You can choose to reclaim that identity and use your power to bring light to the darkness you've created."
Lucifer's fiery aura began to dim, a sense of weariness replacing the blaze of anger. The weight of aeons of defiance seemed to press down on his shoulders.
"Redemption... forgiveness..." Lucifer's voice was a whisper, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usual defiance.
Gabriel's presence radiated comfort, an invitation to let go of the burden he had carried for so long. "The choice is yours, Lucifer. Embrace your true nature, and the Creator's mercy will guide you."
Whether you become an angel again or... a DEVIL!