Inferno Of Desire

Chapter 43: A Darker Entity

The days in the Celestial Realm blurred into a restless anticipation. Seraphine and Azrael remained on edge, awaiting word from the Council on the investigation into the Abyss.

Every moment that passed felt like a wasted opportunity, especially for Azrael, whose patience grew thinner by the hour.

Seraphine spent much of her time trying to keep Azrael grounded, though the same doubts that plagued him gnawed at her. She could feel the tension mounting, both from the looming threat of the Abyss and from the ever-watchful eyes of the Celestial forces.

The angels had yet to fully accept Azrael, and their distrust weighed heavily on them both.

It wasn't until a week later that Uriel summoned them again.

The chamber was quiet as they entered, the golden light streaming through the high arches casting an ethereal glow across the room.

Uriel stood at the center, flanked by Tarian and two other council members, their expressions grave.

"We've uncovered more," Uriel said without preamble. "But I fear it may not be what you were hoping for."

Azrael crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Tell us."

Uriel gestured to Tarian, who stepped forward with a parchment in hand. "We've been able to confirm that the Abyss is acting as a host for a much darker entity," he began. "The heart you destroyed was indeed a decoy, a ruse to distract you from the true threat."

Seraphine's pulse quickened. "What entity?"

Tarian hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking toward Azrael. "We don't have a name yet, but we believe it's a force older than both Heaven and Hell. Something ancient, something that predates even the Abyss itself."

Azrael's fists clenched at his sides. "And you're only telling us this now?"

Uriel held up a hand, urging calm. "It wasn't clear until now. This entity has been dormant for millennia, hidden deep within the Abyss, feeding off the souls and energy of those who have fallen. It's only recently begun to stir."

Seraphine's heart pounded in her chest. The thought of something so ancient, so powerful, left a chill running down her spine. "Why now?" she asked quietly. "Why is it waking up now?"

"We believe the balance of the Veil is what's triggered its awakening," Tarian explained. "The Veil's weakening has allowed this entity to rise, and it's gaining strength."

Azrael took a step forward, his wings flaring slightly. "What does this entity want? Destruction? Power?"

"We don't know," Uriel admitted, her voice heavy with regret. "But if it continues to rise unchecked, it will tear apart both the Abyss and the Celestial Realm. It seeks to consume everything."

The weight of Uriel's words hung in the air, suffocating in their finality. Seraphine exchanged a look with Azrael, her mind racing with the implications.

"So what do we do?" Azrael asked, his voice low and dangerous. "Sit around and wait for it to strike?"

"No," Uriel replied firmly. "We've already put a plan into motion. This is a fight that can not be won by either side alone."

Tarian nodded. "There are forces within the Abyss that don't align with this entity. They've remained neutral for centuries, but they will be just as threatened by this rise. We need to convince them to join us."

Azrael's molten gaze hardened. "And how do we do that? The Abyss isn't exactly known for diplomacy."

"You will need to go back," Uriel said, her eyes locking onto Azrael. "Into the depths of the Abyss. Find those who will fight beside us."