Draconis: Downfall of Destruction

XI

It is now the end of Stella's sentencing. I took Clara with me to go get her from the castle of lights' dungeon. As soon as we got to the castle Christopher sent an angel to get Stella.

"So how did your father's event go?" I inquired of my nephew.

"You know what uncle, it went well." he replied, "I actually thoroughly enjoyed myself and so did my father. Your 'hero' had a fine idea."

I was glad to hear it went well. Stella came up to the hall and immediately flew over to embrace me. She almost knocked me over, I couldn't help but laugh.

"My lord!" she cried, "I've missed you so much! I promise I will never go against you again!"

I replied, "I'm not the one you should be fully apologizing to." she understood just what I meant.

All the way back Stella was clinging to me. I could tell that Clara was disgusted by it all. We started by heading to Dark Temptation, to get Stella back to work and let Talyah stop working there. On the way back Stella was getting glares from the surrounding demons, they probably were weary of her for being in the light, or for going against me and plotting against the hero of heaven.

We had gotten back to the dark temptation and immediately Maria came darting out to embrace her friend. She stopped dead in her tracks when she realized I was in her way.

Her happy glow turned to a serious posture as she asked, "Lord Draconis, is Stella allowed to return to her duties here at Dark Temptation?"

I took a look around the brothel, I saw the glares and the anger. I replied, " Not fully, I feel as though you may need to help her reintegrate into harlotry. She has been through a lot these past few cycles..." I lean in closer and whisper, "...and may not yet be accepted by the souls of others." I gesture around to the glaring eyes.

"I understand my lord. Come along Stella, we have a lot to do." Maria stated. As they walked away Maria hollered back, "Talia should be out soon my lord, she is in with a client at the moment."

As I sat and waited with Clara, a demon approached us. He was timid but finally spoke, "I mean not to question you, lord Draconis, but WHY? Why even bring that traitor back to the dark."

I stood and the demon backed off in fear. I replied firmly, "Because, young soul, if you knew her before her treachery, you would see her loyalty. She hates to anger me, she still honors the thrones and biggest reason of all, she has fully received her punishment from Talyah."

The demon apologized and backed away, bowing. Talyah finally came from the brothel, she seemed exhausted. "Here she comes father!" Clara exclaimed as she flew over to Talyah. Talyah, while surprised, embraced Clara. Clara asked, "Are you ready to go home Talyah?"

She nodded and we headed to the castle. She looked as though she was lost in thought. It didn't take long for me to figure out what she was thinking about. As I walked through the town something caught my eye, a poster with a simple message on it: Do not be afraid to repent, punishment is diminished to those who come clean, though there is still punishment. I was confused who would have the audacity to make such a claim, until I saw one of Talyah's demons hanging the posters.

Needless to say I rushed to that angel of mercy to confront her about this. I found her consoling a demon who had stolen the blade of another out of envy. After she had consoled him and taken the weapon, she ordered her demons to take him to a cell for a cycle.