Chapter One
POV: Lucien Draegor
"My king, the angels are attempting to breach the Realm of Darkness," Kieran Holt said, bowing slightly.
Lucien Draegor remained seated on his throne, his expression unreadable, his fingers tapping slowly against the armrest.
"Don't worry, Kieran," he replied calmly. "They won't succeed."
Kieran hesitated before speaking again. "Then… why don't we consider a treaty of peace?"
Lucien's gaze lifted, sharp and cold. "Peace?" he repeated. "What peace is there between demons and angels?"
"A… peaceful co-existence, my king," Kieran said carefully. "An agreement to end unnecessary conflict."
Lucien leaned back slightly, considering it.
Interesting…
"Very well," he said at last. "Arrange a meeting. But understand this—if the angels attempt to deceive me…"
His voice dropped, dark and dangerous.
"There will be war. And this time, no one will stop me."
Kieran nodded quickly. "Of course, my king."
He paused, then added, "Or… perhaps we could host a gathering instead? A celebration. Something to ease tensions between both sides."
Lucien frowned slightly. "A party?"
"Yes. A tradition, perhaps. Something symbolic."
Lucien exhaled slowly, clearly unconvinced.
"I don't trust angels enough to celebrate with them," he said.
Kieran gave a small smile. "Then at least consider it. It might work better than a meeting."
Lucien closed his eyes for a moment before waving a hand dismissively.
"Fine. Do whatever benefits the kingdom."
POV: Seraphina Vale
"Seraphina, it is time you considered marriage," Queen Valeria said gently.
"I don't want to get married," Seraphina replied immediately.
"Why, my dear?" her mother asked, her tone soft but persistent.
"Mother, please," Seraphina sighed. "Can we have one conversation without this?"
"Perhaps you should listen to her," Prince Orion Vale interrupted, stepping forward.
Valeria turned sharply. "I did not call you into this conversation. This is between women."
"Please, brother," Seraphina said, frustrated. "Tell her to stop. I'm tired of this."
Before Orion could respond—
BOOM.
The sound echoed through the palace walls.
Seraphina froze.
"What was that?" Valeria asked, alarmed.
"How would I know?" Seraphina replied.
"Enough talking," Orion snapped. "Let's go."
They rushed outside into the courtyard.
A crowd had already gathered.
King Gideon Vale stood at the center, his presence commanding silence.
"My king, what is happening?" Queen Valeria asked.
Gideon's voice rang out, powerful and cold.
"I, King Gideon Vale—the God of Thunder and Light, conqueror of the Shadow King—hereby banish Angel Kael Riven Hart from the Seven Kingdoms of Heaven's Guard."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
"Take him away."
"No! Please!" Kael cried, struggling against the guards. "My king, I beg you—have mercy! The devil made me do it!"
Seraphina stepped forward, shock and anger flashing in her eyes.
"You made a deal with a demon?" she demanded.
Kael shook his head frantically. "No! I didn't—I was desperate!"
"What did you do?" she pressed.
"Thorne Vesper…" Kael said weakly. "He forced me to sell the Treasure Lights. He said it was an order from King Lucien. He threatened to kill me if I refused."
"Why didn't you tell Father?" Seraphina asked.
"You wouldn't understand…" Kael whispered.
"Take him away," the king ordered coldly.
Without hesitation, the guards dragged Kael to the edge of Heaven—
And threw him down.
POV: Kael Riven Hart
"Help me—!"
The wind tore through Kael's voice as he fell.
The sky blurred around him. The ground rushed closer.
Demons clawed upward from the darkness below, reaching for him.
Panic consumed him.
Then—
A hand caught him.
Everything stopped.
Kael blinked, his body trembling.
He was no longer falling.
He was… being held.
He looked up—
And froze.
The man holding him was breathtaking. Long black hair flowed like shadows, his pale skin glowing faintly in the darkness. His piercing blue eyes held something cold… something dangerous.
He was beautiful.
Terrifying.
Powerful.
For a moment, Kael forgot how to breathe.
"Are you alright?" the man asked, his deep voice cutting through the silence.
Kael swallowed. "I… I was banished from Heaven."
The man studied him for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"Guards."
Several demons appeared instantly.
"Take him to the palace. Ensure he is cared for."
The guards exchanged shocked glances.
Lucien Draegor… sparing an angel?
Unheard of.
Kael felt relief flood through him.
He was alive.
"I will redeem myself," he thought. "I will find my way back."
Lucien turned to Kieran.
"If we seek peace, we begin here."
Kieran frowned. "My king… he's a fallen angel. He's of no use to Heaven anymore."
Lucien rolled his eyes.
"Must you complain about everything?"
Kieran sighed. "Fine. I suppose… this counts as effort."
"Prideful fool," Lucien muttered.