Arielle
Imperial Down Pavilion (Sacred Realm)
The Imperial Down Pavilion shimmered under a divine light rarely seen since the dawn of ages. All gods and goddesses had gathered within the heavenly court, their murmurs soft yet filled with unease. The scent of lotus incense hung heavy in the air, the silence between whispers more ominous than thunder.Among the assembly I stood of the Red Realm—as a banished goddess. Though i remained still, my presence stirred the hall like a spark in still water. Eyes whispered across my name, but i endured the weight of their gaze without flinching.Then, a radiant flash burst across the pavilion's dome. Every deity knelt as the Heavenly King and Queen descended upon beams of celestial gold. The air itself trembled with reverence.
"Your Holinesses," the chamber echoed as one.
"Rise," commanded the Heavenly King.
His voice carried both calm and warning. He took his seat upon the throne of dawnlight, the Queen sit beside him but her eyes shadowed by concern.
From the Nightbloom Pavilion, Goddess Hana stepped forward.
"Your Holiness… do you know what force has stirred the realms? What power dares cause such chaos?"
A deep murmur passed through the crowd.
Then, the Dragonheart Pavilion's godhead, Azriel, lifted his silver spear slightly. "If our doubts hold truth… could it be that someone from the Netherworld has breached the Dark Realm?"
The words fell like a veil of frost. The whispering increasing, gods exchanging uneasy glances.
"It is as you fear," declared the Heavenly King, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. "The Ashura King has reached the Black Realm."
Gasps rippled through the great court. The Queen's hand tightened around her scepter.
God Asylus step forward, "Your Holiness… if the Ashura King truly reach in the Dark Realm, then war is inevitable."
"The last Ashura King who have reached Dark Realm have created Great Chaos ." said Azriel grimly. "Half our world died in the fires he unleashed. We cannot afford a second reckoning."
A tense silence followed. I looked down, hiding my turmoil behind a calm mask. Though banished, i was still the adopted daughter of the Heavenly King. By decree, i could not speak in court—but my mind echoed with restraint.
"Preparations must begin at once," said the Queen, her tone soft yet final. "Summon every general.
Strengthen the barriers between realms."
"Yes, Your Holiness," everyone answered, bowing low. Asylus-glanced sideways at me , his eyes narrowing. "Even the banished ones may become useful, should the darkness reach our doors."Several heads turned toward me . He did not raise his eyes, yet his silence spoke louder than challenge. Somewhere deep within him , the pulse of ancient blood stirred—a quiet flame waiting for its hour.The Heavenly King Narrow the eyes on God Asylus and he said "Then let it be known. Heaven will not fall again."
The words had barely faded when a suddenly a cloaked messenger emerged from the shadowed haze, kneeling before the throne."Your Holiness," the messenger said, his voice trembling. "there is message come from the Netherworld… bearing words from the Ashura King himself."
The entire court fell still.
"Speak," the King commanded.
"The Ashura King sends a message of peace," the messenger said. "He wishes to come to the Sacred Realm tomorrow… to meet with the gods in council."A chorus of gasps erupted. Shock spread through the assembly like wildfire.
"Peace?" Goddess Hana repeated in disbelief. "From the Ashura King?
Impossible,This is deceit!""He must be plotting," Azriel said sharply. "The Ashura clan knows nothing of peace."
Whispers broke into arguments, echoing against marble pillars and golden walls. Even the Queen looked uncertain. Only the Heavenly King remained composed upon his throne."I too know that the Ashura King is not one to seek peace," he said at last, his voice steady yet edged with caution. "But if he comes in words rather than war, we shall grant him this audience."He rose, and the divine flame between his palms steadied the chaos of the room."We will hear what he has to say.
Tomorrow, the Ashura King will come before heaven itself. Let the divine court prepare."A hush fell once more. The messenger bowed, vanishing back into golden sparkle.