Wings of White | High School DxD X Male Angel Reader

Chapter 8: Shadows Beneath Cherry Blossoms

The ethereal expanse of Heaven stretched endlessly, the celestial light soft yet unyielding, casting a radiant glow over everything it touched. 'Home sweet home', Y/N thought, taking in his surrounding and embracing the familiar setting. Uriel stood calmly before Y/N, his serene expression giving away little but his eyes—ancient and knowing—seemed to peer beyond the realms of time and space.

"Azriel," Uriel began, his voice resonant and unwavering, "there is something you must be prepared for. Asia Argento, whom you have chosen to protect, will soon be delivered into the hands of her enemies."

Y/N's brows knit, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Into their hands?" he asked, his voice edged with concern. "I thought I was to devote myself to shielding her from all harm. What are you telling me, Uriel?"

Uriel met Y/N's gaze, his own calm, unblinking. "Her capture is fated," he replied simply, a tone of inevitability shaping his words. "And she will die in their grasp—yet her death will be but temporary. After thirty minutes, she will rise."

A quiet silence fell between them, only the ambient hum of Heaven's realm filling the air. Y/N struggled to understand. "Thirty minutes? Rise from death?" he repeated, disbelief mingling with frustration. "Why would Heaven allow this?"

"It has been written," Uriel answered, his voice soft yet absolute. "This path, however harsh, is her destiny. There are designs within designs, Azriel—some fates even Heaven's highest can neither question nor alter."

Y/N took a slow, deep breath, steadying himself against the weight of Uriel's words. "But what purpose lies behind this?" he pressed. "What lesson or fate warrants such suffering?"

A flicker of something enigmatic passed across Uriel's face, a glimmer of sorrow, perhaps even regret. "What awaits her will serve a purpose greater than we can see now," he replied. "But know this: the Lord knows best. He has foresaw every path and guided her to this, where she will be humbled before she is exalted."

Y/N's gaze grew hard, his sense of unease deepening. "And what of me, then? You say these events are beyond our power to change. Does this mean I too am destined to simply stand aside and watch?"

"Not entirely," Uriel said, his tone shifting, a hint of forewarning lacing his words. "Soon, Azriel, you yourself will face a trial. You will be bested in a battle, humbled as you've not yet known. But understand—this will not be the end for you. Rather, it will mark the beginning of a new era, a turning point for Heaven and Earth alike."

The words struck Y/N like a physical blow. He had spent eons in service to Heaven, faithful and resolute, certain of his purpose. To be told he would fall—however temporarily—was difficult to fathom.

Uriel's expression softened, his gaze steady. "Remember these words, Azriel," he said quietly. "You may not understand now, but when the time comes, you will see the necessity of all that will pass. When the hour arrives, you must hold fast to this knowledge: though the road will be fraught with darkness, you are not alone."

Y/N straightened, squaring his shoulders. "And when will I see you again?" he asked, his voice firm yet touched with a note of finality.

A shadow crossed Uriel's face as he answered. "Not until the hour you are summoned to collect Asia's soul from Earth. Only then will you be allowed back into Heaven, and on that day, you will guide her ascent to the First Heaven."

Y/N's heart tightened, the gravity of Uriel's words settling deep within him. In that moment, he saw the vastness of the path laid before him—the trials, the losses, the moments where faith alone would guide him. Yet, as he looked into Uriel's unyielding gaze, he felt a renewed resolve well up within him.