Prologue: Of Another Realm
Once upon a time, there was life. And then came the fear of what it had to offer.
Contrary to mortal belief, death was the end. The end of mortal suffering, but also the beginning of a new life. Often fearful were the souls who must walk this path alone, for carrying the weight of one’s sins across the boundaries of the mortal realm was no easy feat.
It was for this reason that she was created to guide and comfort them.
She sat in her garden, as she always has since the beginning of time, methodically plucking and sowing her seeds. Each of them represented a new life. Some were tougher than most, while others were so light that she had to pay special attention not to let them float away prematurely. She has always tried her best to treat all of them fairly, although she still had her favourites. A warm glow radiated from her as she picked up another particularly resilient soul to admire.
A foreign presence invaded her domain, disrupting her concentration. Or at least, a presence foreign to angels like her. She only knew this being all too well.
“Lucifer,” she called out curtly without giving it even a single mote of additional attention. “I don’t believe you have any more business with us.”
“My, my. Such hostility!” a velvety voice simpered as the demon advanced further towards her. The garden faded into the angel’s domain as she finally turned her attention to Lucifer wordlessly.
“I do love me a good flirt,” Lucifer continued in a sultry voice as he moved uncomfortably close to her. “But I am not here for pleasure today, Azrael.”
“Word has it that you’ve been interfering in the mortal realm. And behind God’s back, too!” the Demon Lord tutted mockingly. “Naughty, naughty little angel. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“It is not within your power to pass judgment, Son of Morn,” Azrael said. “There is nothing we can do that can escape God’s knowledge. My purpose remains unchanged; my creed is sacrosanct.”
“Good.” Lucifer’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Then I hope you are prepared for your punishment. You should know that blessing those favoured mortals of yours with additional power is a violation of Heavenly law.”
He shifted his attention to the soul Azrael was still holding.
“That beloved child of yours has even used his power to break into Purgatory and attempted to steal a soul. The consequences of his behaviour have already betrayed your actions.”
A tiny spark of fear ran through the angel, but she stood her ground.
“I gave them a fraction of my power so that they can resist demonic beings like you,” Azrael retorted, releasing the soul back into the air. “You were the most beautiful angel, but never the wisest. Small wonder you cannot even see such a simple truth.”
Lucifer’s body flared momentarily with power, as though he was preparing to fight. Azrael continued staring back at him coldly.
“Azrael, Archangel of life and death.” The demon calmed down. “With all your power, you are still unable to give and take life as you wish. I almost feel sorry for you. Look at your realm. Your garden of life is a mere fraction of what it used to be. I have drowned countless worlds in death and despair. I can do whatever I want, and you will always be picking up after me.”
The angel kept her silence.
“These sinful mortals are undeserving of grace and love.” Lucifer scoffed at her inaction, taking the chance to continue gloating. “Actions will be taken to strip away their unmerited privileges, and we will take pleasure in devouring their rotten souls. They will be condemned as I have, and you will fall as I did.”
A brilliant gleam of light engulfed their surroundings as the garden of life materialised around them again, as if reminding Lucifer of his place in her domain. Azrael bent down to an empty patch of land and began tossing seeds across it once more. Lucifer glared at the Angel with contempt.
“No mortal, however powerful, is impervious to the whispers of despair and death,” Azrael replied, keeping her gaze towards the unborn souls within her body. “But I have faith that even should they falter, the best of them will always find a way back to life. They must need nought but to simply look within for their guiding light.”
“Then may your will be done, Angel of Death. You have forgotten whose domain light belongs to,” Lucifer chuckled ominously. “The traces of your power in their world have only given me a backdoor to tamper with the mortals. Your pride in your children will cost them their world, and you shall live with that penance forever.”
The demon vanished as quietly as he came, leaving the angel to continue tending to her garden for eternity.
Author's Note: Thank you for giving 'Guardians Of The Arcane Chronicles Vol 2: The Harbinger's Children' a chance! I really appreciate the support!
If you would like to read the story in its entirety without waiting for chapters, the full version is already out on Amazon at only $0.99USD!
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1LKVNP
