Lucien's POV
Finally we reached a waterfall. The water crashed down in a steady roar, mist rising around us as we followed Asriel straight toward it. He flew directly into the rushing wall of water, and for a moment I thought he had gone insane, but then he lifted his hand. Using his magic, he split the waterfall in two, the sheets of water parting like curtains.
We flew inside, the echoing sound of swooshing water all around us.
Bright light struck my eyes. I blinked rapidly as the scene before me came into focus—thousands of other Fallen stood gathered inside the enormous cavern.
"What—?" I gasped. "You didn't tell me you had this many—"
Asriel smirked over his shoulder. "What? You didn't think that shabby hideout outside was my real base, did you?"
He led us deeper inside. Huge stone structures rose from the ground, glowing with runes and illuminated by enchanted torches. More Fallen moved along bridges and pathways carved directly into the rock.
"Behold," Asriel said as we landed on a broad platform, "my main state of operation."
I was impressed. The inside was marvelous, far beyond anything I had imagined, and the Fallen here looked strong, disciplined—not the weak ones I'd seen before. As I kept admiring, a voice called my name.
"Lucien," Asriel said.
"Yes?" I answered.
He smiled. "Follow me."
I followed quietly as he led me upstairs. The door opened, and we entered. The office was even more magnificent than the last—grand, regal, and commanding. Before I could take it all in, he closed the door behind us.
"What's going on?" I asked, my voice uncertain.
He stepped closer, and my feet instinctively moved back until I was pinned against the door. "Asriel—" I called out, unsure.
Then his hands wrapped around my waist. A shiver ran through me as they moved over my clothes. He stared deep into my eyes, and I felt my heart pound.
Something shifted around my waist, and I looked down. It was a beautiful, intricate seal.
"Here," he said, "my gift to you. This is your official seal, which means I officially accept you—not as my second in command, but as my partner."
His hands left me, and I stared at the seal in awe.
"Partner," I whispered, a gasp escaping my lips.
"Yes," I thought, eyes wide. "Yes! Yes! My genius is really paying off."
Then he placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch firm and commanding. "And I will rule Heaven and Hell together, as equals," he said, a dangerous, confident smile curling across his lips.
I returned the smile, feeling a thrill of pride and power. "Yes," I said, my voice steady. "Well… I knew this gift was going to be worth it."
Ciel's POV
We finally reached the castle at dawn, landing safely in front of the gates. With our new prisoner in tow, we stormed through the halls.
"Take our prisoner to the prison room and keep watch," I ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied, and left immediately.
I continued down the corridors, my steps quick but careful, my mind on Serena. Was she awake? I wondered, my heart tightening as I approached her room, eager to see her and make sure she was safe.
Clara's POV
Hours passed, but Ciel still hadn't returned. I lay on the bed, my heart racing, my thoughts spinning. Auriel's words kept echoing in my mind: war. He had gone to war… but why? What could have happened?
Fear gripped me, tightening its hold with every passing moment. What if he didn't come back? What if something had gone terribly wrong? My chest ached, and my mind refused to stop replaying every terrifying possibility. Panic and worry tangled together, leaving me hollow and desperate.
Then my heart stopped. I heard the door softly open, and there he was—Ciel.
"Ciel!" I yelled, running into his arms. He looked surprised as I landed against him.
"Serena," he said, relief flooding his voice. "I'm so glad you're okay."
"I'm fine," I whispered, holding him tightly.
"You shouldn't run, my love," he said softly, wrapping me in a protective embrace.
A wave of happiness washed over me—I was so glad he was safe.
He slowly stroked my hair, and I let myself melt into the warmth of his touch. After a while, he suddenly lifted me up.
"Ciel!" I yelped, surprised as he carried me toward the bed.
Then, with a soft laugh, he gently laid me down—and climbed in beside me, holding me tightly.
I looked up at him, my lips curving into a small, relieved smile. He looked tired, worried, and yet, but despite that I was still glad he was here and that made my heart soar, undeniably happy.
"I was so worried," I whispered softly. "I asked Auriel where you went, and she told me… you went to war."
"Why?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly.
He just sighed, his hand brushing my cheek gently. "Don't worry," he said softly. "It was something that needed to be done."
I didn't ask anymore. I didn't even want to know the details. I was just glad he was back. "Please… don't ever leave without saying goodbye," I murmured, recalling the fear and uncertainty that had gripped me.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice low, sincere. "I scared you and made you worry, my love. But I promise I won't do that again. I won't leave without saying goodbye."
"Alright," I replied, trying to steady my voice. "You better keep your promise."
"I will," he said with a soft laugh. Then, suddenly, he leaned in and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to my lips.
Then he suddenly pulled back just slightly, only to bring me closer again. "It's alright, my love," he murmured, his voice soft and comforting. "It's been a long day… let's rest."
"Okay," I whispered, leaning into him.
Slowly, we both settled into the quiet comfort of each other's arms, letting the world fade away as we drifted into a peaceful, shared slumber.