The Devil's Love

||. Chapter 43: Indecisive Chat .||

The birds in Halion dispersed into different directions the second Jon landed himself at the edge of the mansion in the Slanted Falls. Rich gold transparent water poured from the falls, reminding him of the glorious Chateau that houses the so-called peace of Halion. He scrunched his nose upon scenting a pungent smell that seemed to be emitting from the mansion. Angelo had been right. Someone is in the mansion and Jon was confident that it would be Carson. Lithius had never returned since he was selected as the angel of the Planets and Angelo barely set foot at this place. Jon took a step closer, searching for a possible keyhole that Angelo had mentioned. He wished that the keyhole could be visible for those who held the relic because it seemed as if he held no chance in searching it. So, he continued his mission secretly.

From above the skies, across the millions and billions of planets, Lithius watched the younger hunching around his family mansion as if searching for a reason to pass on. He smirked, seeing how desperate Jon looked only to realize that it was indeed not a laughing matter. His purple eyes glowed against the starlight map that hung in front of him as they projected the image of Carson lurking within those peaceful halls with nothing but a mortal and his deadly potions. Recognizing the ingredients Carson held, he waved his hands in the air to dismiss the sight. So, the rumors had been true. Carson returned to Halion with nothing, but foul intentions scratching through his skull. His heels clicked against the crystal floor, heading towards the corner to grab his robe.

"Erasmus," Lithius exclaimed to alert his disciple in the opposite room. The younger immediately replied with the scraping sound of his chair.

"I am heading out for an important matter. From now on, you are going to be in charge of this place," ordered Lithius sternly as he combed through his purple hair with his fingers and produced a decree with his magic. "This is an official appointment from me to you. Until I return, you are going to take charge of this place. Treat it like a test and we will see how it turns out. Also, it might take a while before I returned, so if there is anything urgent here that needs my attention, feel free to send me a note."

"Is this about Carson?" Erasmus questioned bluntly, taking the decree carefully in his palms, and added hastily. "Every guardian of the planets is talking about him. Some speak of a possible war. Are you planning on taking his side, since he is your sibling?"

Lithius managed a smile. He has two brothers, both of whom he loves in different manners. He watched them grew up so it is hard to ignore the brotherly feelings he had for them each. Lithius brushed the ring on his index finger, shaking his head.

"I don't take sides, Erasmus. It is my duty to keep the planets safe, including Halion, so I will select a choice that benefits all of us," answered Lithius, spreading his purple wings that glow against the starlight behind him. "It is a hard choice to make, but I can assure you that it is a choice that will restore the peace in Halion."

== xxx ==

Lithius had long forgotten the feeling of warm air sinking between each strand of his hair. His days of being cooped up in the halls and among scrolls made him felt like an ancient book that had not been read. Recalling one of his old adventures on Earth, he chuckled on his own. With the powers granted to him, Lithius made himself invisible to the eyes of everyone on Halion. 

This is a family matter, thus, before making a permanent choice, he needed to understand his brother's choice. Being the eldest, Lithius possessed a golden amulet belonging to his father. It granted him easy passage into the mansion without having to search for a keyhole. The amulet served as a stimulation to the magic surrounding the place. It gave him a safe, easy, and efficient transit into the mansion to greet his sibling.

"Carson," Lithius spoke, removing his invisibility magic as his voice echoed through the empty halls.

"Lithius," Carson replied in amusement, balancing Ansel in his arms. His orange eyes gleamed in excitement despite the shadow that lingered within them. "I never thought I am able to get your attention. You seem too busy circling around the universe, trying to maintain their rotation. Never have I ever dreamt about you paying a visit to your unattractive little brother. Though, you miss the fun part. The first party is over and if you would excuse me, I would love to send her back to the chambers before she decided to bolt out of our beautiful mansion. If you are here for important matters, feel free to have a wait. Or else, you know where the exit is."