The Devil's Love

||. Chapter 18: Under The Stars .||

It was a quiet night. No cars passed through the area to disrupt his thoughts as he tilted his head up from his book to study the blinking stars in the skies. They seemed to be teasing his stupidity for not finding a way to return to the Heavens. Angelo knew the cost back then when he made up his mind to defeat Carson. When he descended to Earth, he felt desperation coursing through his veins. He wanted badly to return and if it wasn't the golden halls, he craved for the comfort in Hell. His caves and his dark seas. 

Angelo recalled his strong urge to summon Isril for a strong love potion so that he could break the curse within a week, but fear took over him. He did not want to be blamed for the chaos he erupted. Even though he saved the angels and guardians from Carson, Heaves were left without a ruler. None of the guardians of the Sun stood up to take the throne and everyone dodged the strong responsibility.

Once in a while, Jonathan came to visit him to provide him with further pieces of information. The news was never pleasant since many of them found dead relatives in the dungeons which lead to putting blame on those who lived. So, he pushed the thoughts away to dodge trouble. Even though he saved them from Carson's autocratic rule, he did not save them from mishaps. The Golden Hall is now without a ruler and there are no rules to govern the remaining angels and guardians.

It makes a whole difference Angelo if you were to return. Even if you don't know, I have faith that one day, you will return when you are ready. Who knows you might take over the throne?

He ran his fingers in between the wet soil, breathing in the scent of fresh land around him. How can he be ready when he had nothing to guide him? The only issue he is aware of is that Lithius had been chosen to lead the guardian of Planets, making him their angel and this prevented the elder from visiting him openly. They could track his steps and for Angelo's safety, Lithius never left his home. Angelo felt loneliness creeping in his veins during the first two years, but he got accustomed to it when he earned himself a job with Lily at the café.

Mentally, he recounted the possibilities of surviving if he did not overthrow Carson. Perhaps there would be rules that could bound them and no one would be conducting mass slaughtering. He swore an oath to stay away from the matters in the Golden Halls, but when one by one, they came to his cave, disrupting his peace, Angelo decided to take action. Mainly, he did not want Jonathan to be harmed because Jonathan would be his successor if he passed and the boy would be travelling back and forth to the Golden Halls. There had been people who wanted Jonathan dead. Hell has its matters to dwell with.

"Mind if I join you?" Ansel's voice dragged him back to reality and he sighed in relief, nodding at the girl who settled herself down with a book on her lap. Angelo watched her placing the can of cookies in front of them as she tied up her overgrown hair near the edge of her neck.

"I never thought you are out there. I was assuming nobody would be home since Jiang and Annika both had brought Jun Ho out to the theme park. I thought you would have joined," she said opening the page where she bookmarked and the picture of a dragon met Angelo's gaze.

"I just needed some fresh air and a good book to accompany me. He did ask me to, but I wasn't interested. It's too noisy and crowded," muttered Angelo as he studied the visible scar on Ansel's neck since she was wearing a pair of singlet that showed off her shoulders and slender arms. "What about you? Why didn't you go?"

Ansel picked up the can, pushing it towards Angelo's direction and left it on his lap. She proceeded on biting the cookies before paying full attention to him.

"I was busy working on the list of possible traditional restaurants still around," answered Ansel as she took another bite on the cookie, humming to her own. "I ran a list, but they rejected it. So, I've got to work on a new one. That's all. What book are you reading over there?"