Two men stepped in first. They wore dark clothing, their weapons held with military precision against their bodies. They greeted us politely, then stood in strict formation, as if awaiting an order. One on one side of the door, the other on the opposite.
And then… someone entered whom none of us expected.
Gabriel.
In his full angelic form, his celestial presence radiating all its terrifying majesty.
His wings—massive, covered in stunning, gleaming feathers—moved behind him with effortless grace, as if they were a natural part of the air itself. He wore a high-necked white turtleneck that fit elegantly to his body, giving him the impression of both a warrior and a ruler.
And yet… there was something different about him.
Grief.
They had lost not a few of their dark-clad fighters. That loss now lay in his eyes, in his expression, in his entire stance. His golden-blond hair, which always seemed to shine, now appeared dimmer. His aura was still powerful, but it vibrated differently somehow.
Suddenly, I didn't even know what I was supposed to feel.
Admiration? Fear? Attraction?
Or just sheer shock that he was truly standing before me?
— Do not be afraid, — he spoke softly. — I did not come with hostile intent. The Council is not with me.
— Excuse me, — Clara stepped forward, eyes narrowed. — Then why did you bring a small escort?
She glanced out the window. A whole convoy stood outside the building.
— No need for theatrics, — John spoke quietly but firmly. — Let's be direct. Where do you want to take her?
— Then we'll decide whether we'll let you, — Clara added, arms crossed.
A barely noticeable smile flickered across Gabriel's face.
— Would you challenge us to a fight?
Alice's lips almost trembled as she answered:
— We are secured.
At that moment, one of the dark-clad lieutenants stepped forward.
— I don't think it would be wise to threaten Rindanof's current ruler like this.
John's eyes widened.
— Ruler?
The other lieutenant stepped forward and spoke in a neutral tone:
— According to the Angelic Laws, Section 368, if a ruler is forced to step down or has other significant duties to attend to, they are entitled and required to appoint a successor. The appointed individual assumes full sovereign authority from the very first second of their designation.
— So he ran off? He always did like the depths of hell better anyway, — Alice commented cynically.
— Daughter, don't— her father spoke in warning.
But it was already too late.
Gabriel's face darkened.
— Let me clarify, — he looked icily at Alice. — He did not 'run off.' He stepped aside for a higher purpose. And he appointed me as his replacement.
His gaze sharpened.
— And as for the depths of hell—if you keep your insolence, they could function as your home just as well.
At his words, it felt as if the ground trembled beneath me.
Elis lowered his gaze.
And I began to think.
It is not the Council that will judge me.
But the current ruler himself.
My head spun. Too much information. Too many consequences.
But if this was the case…
Slowly, but firmly, I stood up and met Gabriel's gaze.
— Then let's get it over with. Take me where I need to go.
I extended my hands forward, as if surrendering already.
— Just leave my family alone.
For a moment, Gabriel looked at me in surprise, then shook his head slightly.
— You misunderstand, — he said softly.
Then he looked up toward the upper floor.
— Come with me, — he said.
He turned to the others.
— If you'll excuse us, I'd like to speak with her alone.
He didn't even ask me.
He only said one word.
— Follow.