Inferno Of Desire

Chapter 54: Rallying the Celestial Forces

The grand hall of the Celestial Realm’s Council was illuminated with a soft, ethereal glow.

The sunlight streaming through the high arched windows gave the entire chamber a holy aura.

Yet, despite the serenity of the surroundings, tension was palpable within the room.

The Guardians of Faith stood before the Celestial Council, their united presence exuding strength, yet their faces wore the weight of grave news.

Uriel, the leader of the Celestial Council, sat at the head of the table, his keen gaze fixated on the Guardians. Beside him sat Lady Caelara, her sharp eyes assessing the situation with calm composure, while Gabriel stood near her, a silent tower of strength.

The leader of the Guardians of Faith; Eldrin, a stern yet resolute figure, stepped forward. His voice carried with it a tone of urgency. “We bring word from Seraphine and Azrael. In the Abyss, they have uncovered a threat unlike any we’ve ever faced. A force the Abyss itself fears — a being known as the Voidbringer.”

At the mention of the name, a wave of murmurs rippled through the council. Eldrin paused to allow the gravity of the situation to settle over them.

“The Voidbringer?” One of the elder angels' deep voice cut through the murmurs, his brows furrowed. “Such a being is more than mere myth?”

“It is no myth,” another Guardian interjected. “In the Black Archives, Seraphine and Azrael learned of its true existence. The Voidbringer was created in the darkest ages, from powers so ancient and malevolent that it now threatens to consume all — Celestial and Abyssal alike.”

Uriel’s face darkened as he leaned forward. “We knew the Abyss harbored many dark forces, but this… the Voidbringer, if it truly rises, it could spell the end for both realms.”

“That is precisely why we are here,” Eldrin continued. “Seraphine and Azrael have already begun to gather the forces of the Abyss that are willing to fight, but we need the Celestial Realm’s aid. Only by uniting our strength can we hope to stand against such a destructive force.”

Lady Caelara’s calm voice rang out next. “And what do Seraphine and Azrael propose we do? Surely, we can not send all of our forces into battle.”

“Correct,” Eldrin nodded. “Only a selected few can leave their posts here in the Celestial Realm. Seraphine and Azrael have called for a group of trusted leaders and warriors to join them at the Sanctuary, where we will plan our strategy against the Voidbringer.”

Uriel exchanged a glance with Gabriel, who nodded in agreement. “Who will go?” Uriel asked.

“Alongside the Guardians of Faith, we have been instructed to bring you, Uriel, Gabriel, and Lady Caelara,” Eldrin said. “Your leadership will be vital. Arion and Raphael have also proven their strength and loyalty in battle. Their presence will be invaluable.”

Tyra continued, listing the other key members who had been requested to join the battle. “’Lucien's wisdom will guide us, and we have also received word that Elder Varyn’s knowledge of ancient magics may come in handy.”

Lucien bowed his head, his silver hair reflecting the light as he spoke softly. “If it is the will of the council, I will lend my strength and wisdom.”

"Most importantly, we can't go to the battlefield without the angel of battle himself. Archangel Michael has also been summoned." Tarian pointed out, and the rest nodded.

Michael had always been present in all the council meetings, but he never spoke - his nature was more of action than words. He wasn't only the commander of the Heavenly army. He was also the protector of all the angels. He's known for his super-strength, super-speed, invulnerability, sonic cry, flight, telepathy, and the power to speak to animals. He was a god on his own.

Standing 7 feet tall, his massive wings white, pure, and untainted. His sword, a greatsword with a golden handle and a blue gem in the middle. His clothing was a blue mantel embellished with gold highlights over his shoulders.

"May the will of the Heavens be done." He said simply.

Uriel steepled his fingers as he absorbed the information. “It is as we feared, then. The Celestial Realm must prepare for war, but our armies can not leave our borders unguarded. We will gather our forces, but only a chosen few will venture to the Sanctuary.”

Arion’s expression hardened. “And what of the Abyssal forces? Can we truly trust demons to fight alongside us?”

One of the Guardians who had remained quiet until now stepped forward. His voice, deep and firm, resonated throughout the chamber. “Seraphine and Azrael have managed the impossible. They have united demons under a common cause, something that has never been done before. If they can achieve this, we must have faith that they will see this battle through.”

Gabriel, ever the skeptic, crossed his arms. “It is a dangerous alliance. If this fails, we will be fighting not only the Voidbringer but the Abyss itself.”

Eldrin’s calm voice interjected. “The stakes are too high for us to turn away allies. The Voidbringer does not discriminate between Celestial and Abyssal. If we are to have any chance of survival, we must stand together.”

Uriel stood from his seat, his wings unfurling behind him in a display of strength and authority. “Then it is settled. We will gather our armies and prepare for battle. But only Archangel Michael, Gabriel, Lady Caelara, Eldrin, Elder Varyn, Arion, Tarian, Tyra, Lucien and I will travel with the rest of the Guardians of Faith to the Sanctuary to join Seraphine and Azrael. The rest of the Celestial forces will train and be ready for the coming storm.”

The Guardians of Faith bowed in acknowledgment, their wings unfolding behind them as they prepared to depart.

“We will inform Seraphine and Azrael of your decision,” Eldrin said. “They are awaiting us in the Sanctuary, where we will finalize our strategy.”

As the council members began to leave the hall, Lady Caelara paused to glance back at Uriel. “This alliance... it is fragile. But we must trust in Seraphine’s judgment.”

Uriel nodded gravely. “Trust is all we have left, Lady Caelara. Without it, we are doomed.”

With that, the Guardians of Faith exited the council chambers, their presence a reminder of the mounting threat.

The Celestial Realm was now in motion. Soldiers would begin their training, commanders would ready their forces, and the chosen few would venture to the Abyss to meet their unlikely allies.

For the first time in history, Celestial and Abyssal would stand side by side — not in conflict, but in unity against a threat that sought to destroy them both.

And as they marched to the Sanctuary, the looming shadow of the Voidbringer would follow closely behind, a harbinger of the devastation yet to come.