Inferno Of Desire

Chapter 35: The Gates of Heaven

When they finally reached the portal, a swirling vortex of light and energy, Seraphine felt a rush of excitement mingled with trepidation. She stepped closer, peering into its depths. "Are we ready for this?"

Azrael placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "Together," he affirmed, his voice low yet powerful, sending warmth through her. Lirael and Kael exchanged glances, silently reinforcing their commitment to the cause.

With a shared breath, they stepped into the light.

The air shimmered with an ethereal glow as they crossed through the Veil, leaving the horrors of the Abyss behind. Seraphine's wings flexed wide, catching the cool, celestial breeze as she inhaled the purity of the realm that had once been her home.

A realm of light and beauty, a stark contrast to the oppressive shadows they had just escaped.

Before them stretched the majestic landscape of the Celestial Realm - a world of floating islands, towering golden spires, and endless skies painted in hues of violet and gold.

Rivers of light cascaded through the air, flowing toward the central city, a magnificent citadel that glittered in the distance. The divine energy of the realm thrummed beneath their feet, invigorating their souls, but with it came an undeniable tension.

"Home," Seraphine whispered, her silver eyes scanning the horizon.

Azrael followed her gaze, his molten amber eyes narrowing as he took in the grandeur of the realm. It had been centuries since he last set foot in heaven - since his fall.

Now, as a creature of shadow and flame, the light of the Celestial Realm felt foreign, even hostile, brushing against his skin like a warning. His wings flexed behind him, flickering with embers of darkness.

"Are you ready for this?" Azrael asked quietly, his voice low.

Seraphine nodded, though her expression was troubled. "We don't have a choice. If we don't rally the angels to our cause, we're all doomed."

Beside them, Lirael and Kael hovered cautiously, their expressions guarded. The Celestial Realm, while beautiful, was not without its dangers. Politics in heaven were as ruthless as any battlefield.

Lirael's voice broke through the silence. "Are you sure they'll help us? Heaven isn't exactly known for welcoming fallen angels... or demons."

"They will help," Seraphine said, more to convince herself than anyone else. "They have to."

As they approached the towering gates of the Celestial Citadel, two towering angels, clad in radiant armor, descended from the sky. Their wings shimmered with divine light, and their expressions were cold, eyes locked onto Azrael with undisguised suspicion.

"Azrael," one of them intoned, his voice echoing with power. "You are not welcome here."

Azrael's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Seraphine stepped forward, her voice firm. "He is with me, Gabriel."

The archangel's eyes flickered with recognition as he turned his gaze to Seraphine. "Seraphine, you were thought lost."

"I was. But now I've returned, and we need your help."

Gabriel's gaze lingered on her, then shifted back to Azrael, the unspoken tension thick in the air. Finally, he gestured toward the gates, which slowly began to creak open.

"Enter," Gabriel said, his voice hard. "But know this, Seraphine. Heaven does not easily forgive betrayers."

Seraphine nodded, her eyes steady as she met Gabriel's gaze. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking for allies."