Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

“Ahw~ It’s good to be home,” I muttered slowly, finding myself unwinding with a glass of one of my favorite wines: Le’von 43. A mortal wine I’d adapted and refined within the Heavens.

“For all their troubles and flaws. Humans sure know how to enjoy life to the fullest. From a life of senseless debauchery to the myriad of indulgences such as this, it’s hard to hate them.”

Leaning my head back within my manor as the crackles of flames echoed through my secluded home, I felt free for the first time in a long time. There was no place like this in the Higher Heavens. It was a place free of angels, seraphim, and wandering souls. It was my heaven… my Silverlilm.

Silence.

What more can one ask for? No Mephisto, no Arsene, no nothing.

Closing my eyes, I felt my consciousness sinking into the cool dark void that was my mind. Seconds felt like hours as my eyes opened to a stranger sitting in front of me. Arms folded as he shot me a scrutinizing stare.

“Little brother… Can you not break in? Your not cute in the slightest.” I wearily attested, forcing myself to remain calm. “Well? What do you want?”

“There’s been whispers that Enoch has returned.” Said Michael coldly.

“And?”

His brow puckered up: ‘And? Are you serious? He’s a bloody traitor! He even betrayed the Fallen!”

“For the greater good and all.” I quoted to him, rolling my eyes. It was a bit unsavory working with that filth, but in this case, the ends justify the means. We need to regulate that blight. “I’ve my reasons for working with him. But you needn’t worry. I’ll see to it that I personally slit enochs throat.”

The ever-righteous Michael snorted: ” Guess we will see. But he isn’t the reason I came. There’s been a change.”

“What type?”

“The Myriad Heavens are changing… a huge power is bleeding out. It won’t be long till it reaches the Silver Gates. We must prepare. As Scribe and a leader of Heavens Gate, I thought you should know.”

Storming to my feet, feeling sweat prickle my back; my fingers curled into a ball. “What’s the source,” I asked, already knowing but hoping it wasn’t related to—

“The Abyss. Ariel is also missing. As is her team. Lilith is—”

“Damn it!” I roared, causing the rubble to trickle down from the ceiling. “We need those children.”

“Need them?” Michael said. “And you wonder why I’m not a part of Heaven’s Gate anymore.”

“But you were. And you know what type of damage that cannibalistic bastard Arsene can do.” I spat, nearly striking my foolish brother. .𝘤𝘰𝑚

As one of the strongest Angels, how can he be so stupid? So ignorant of what needs to be done.

“I’ve no intention of harming infants. However, if they cannot control their power… I shall personally destroy their ability to—”

“They are not bloody mortals, much less a highborn. They don’t pose such a weakness. You’d risk the fate of the Myriad Heavens for fucking morals? Grow up. They need to die.”

And against all reason, Michael laughed. ” Killing them is your solution? You realize who their Mother is, right? Lilith is the goddamn avatar of the Abyss. Not to mention the rage father will have if we were to kill his sister’s children.”

“And what do you suggest we do?”

Michael froze, bowing his head for a second as he looked up at me: “Let’s go see Father.”

A ghastly chill curled through my nervous system: “Brother… Are you mad? Father doesn’t take part in—”

“This is exactly the thing Father will take part in. The birth of two children that weren’t molded like us is a huge ordeal. The presence of those kids could forever change Myriad Heavens’ power structure. So if you want to be foolish, attack them, or we can visit Father and find out what restrictions we might be under. Or is there another reason why you’re so hesitant?”

Other reason? As the Scribe, I’ve had more interaction with Father than anyone. And every time I see him, I feel so scared I break down before him. I tell him all my sins, all my experiences and beg for forgiveness.

It’s humiliating. And for some reason, I’m the only one with that reaction.

“Have you already asked for an audience?”

“Yes, and I’ve already gotten a reply. Father will see us upon his return.” Michael responded with a curious expression. One that we both shared.

Father was out?

Rarely does he leave heaven. But for him now, at this time. Was he with Arseen and Lilith? Could he be dealing with the twins?

If so… then there might be hope.

Gritting my teeth, I looked at Michael, who didn’t seem worried as he should. It was odd. Even someone who didn’t know Arsene would be concerned about such a monster being born. Worse of all was the fact that they were unrestricted.

“That whore died so that Lilith could use her as a seal. Surely all that counted for something.”

Michael shrugged. “Who can say, but what I do know is that getting those children, much less controlling them, will be harder than imaginable.” He turned, opening a portal with a wave of his hand. ” You coming? Father will surely be expecting us.”

“You head there first… I’ve got a few things left to—”

“Enoch?” He snorted, stepping into his portal as his final words echoed. ” I wonder how you’ll explain that to Father.”

Watching the portal close, I pulled out a Holocube that slowly brought up a hologram of Enoch: “How’s it going?”

“Tamiel seems to have made a home for himself within the World Libary built by the Ilvarins.” He said, stroking his bald head. ” I’m heading through the Forest of Silence and—-”

“Isn’t there a rule of silence in that forest?”

Enoch chuckled wryly: “Something scared the shit out of me. That ship has already been set free. I’m currently on the run. So making more noise is whatever at this point.”

“I see…” I muttered, shaking my head at this fool’s little adventure. ” Anyway, the reason I called is to inform you that Father might summon you.”

“…”

“Enoch? You there?” I couldn’t help ask wondering if the holocube froze. Enoch wasn’t moving at all.

“Yep… it’s just I think I might have shat myself. Can you repeat that?”