Mid-morning in Heaven was like any other mid-morning. Soft, fluffy clouds drifted across the bright sun, casting moving shadows over the grounds and buildings.
Eryn flew steadily, matching the sun's rays, which hid her from prying eyes below. This was a battle tactic she always practiced: using the sun to blind an attacking dive. Since she started training the exorcist army, she had constantly kept these tactics in mind. It made sense to do so in case Hell decided to strike back someday.
With a final thrust of her wings to steady her landing, she alighted on the balcony outside one of the council rooms in the court tower and stepped inside.
Upon Lute's revelation of the events in Hell, she needed to review the unedited footage before its public release. She approached the monitor, switched it on, and navigated through the data files. Locating the file she wanted, she tapped it once, activating playback. After only twenty seconds, she realized this was a redacted copy due to its choppy cuts, which caused her significant concern. Halting the video, she knew she'd need to access the private server, exclusive to individuals of her rank or higher.
This was precisely why she had come to the courts, as it was the sole location where she could find this unredacted version. Indeed, after a few swipes through the secure folders, she found the complete file. Clicking play again, she stepped back to observe the unfolding events. On the screen, two demons, seemingly prominent newscasters, summarized the battle on a station called Studio 666.
"Good evening! I'm Katie Killjoy!" announced the taller demon with red eyes, blonde hair, and a very frail form, dressed in a red business suit.
The other demon wore a gray suit with a gas mask over his face. "And I'm—"
He was unceremoniously shoved off the screen by Katie. "No one gives a shit who you are, Tom!" Killjoy grinned wickedly and took over sole coverage. "Breaking news! Extermination Day is canceled!"
Eryn took a deep breath, listening closely to the report. "Charlie Morningstar managed to fend off the angelic attack with more than just nice words. In an unseen turn of events, our demonic head honcho, Lucifer, stepped in to save his daughter's ass at the last moment." Killjoy seemed to be eating the words as she spoke them. "We're also hearing reports that Adam, leader of the angelic legions, first man, and totally fuckable bad boy, has been slain by a filthy janitor."
Eryn blinked at those words.
Killjoy continued, "The janitor said, quote, 'Charlie told me to stab, so I did.'" The newscaster then leaned over her desk, her demon features revealing her excitement to share the final details of the report. "And the most shocking turn of events is that it seems one of the Exorcist angels has turned against Heaven. The video caught the bold, handsome hunk of a traitor kissing Charlie Morningstar after the battle. Our intrepid crew is racing to the scene to try to get interviews with the Exorcist on why he betrayed Heaven, and why he thinks he has a chance in Hell with the princess."
Covering her mouth with her hand, Eryn gasped in shock.
On the feed, Killjoy wrapped the segment up. "Anyway, congrats to Charlie and her group for not being totally fucking useless for once."
Stopping the video, her brow crinkled as she sniffed. Her sadness wasn't attributed to Adam's death or that her army failed to kill the sinners she'd taught them to target, but because Angel had stayed behind. Lute's accusations were true. It became obvious he had planned this all along.
She shook her head in frustration as she realized he had actually lied to her. Her! Created to discern truth from lies. The very reason for her existence. That had never happened in all of her life! In fact, she was sure it was impossible to lie to her unless—
Another sharp gasp escaped her. She knew for certain that the only way a soul could lie to her was if it were ordained, and only one being possessed such power. As this understanding dawned on her, a faint smile touched her lips. She had always recognized his extraordinary nature. Unique. Destined. Whatever his purpose, his actions seemed necessary. The sorrow that had been filling within her soul drained away. It also eased her feelings that she had failed to divine his true intentions.
Relieved, she turned away from the replay and gasped again. Behind her, the great Seraphim Sera stood by the balcony, arms folded, a scowl prominent across her brow.
"Your Grace." She bowed respectfully. Her eyes looked past Sera to see Lute, who returned her gaze with a look of defiant rage. What had she told Sera?
"Eryn." Sera's voice held a chill.
The Heaven-born looked up with worry.
"I see you are aware of Angel's betrayal?"
"I watched the replay." Eryn was careful with her words. She could detect lies, but she also could not tell a lie. The less said, the better.
"Did you know of Angel's intent?"
"I did not, Your Grace. I asked him why he wanted to train with the exorcist army. His answers were truthful." She knew it required the explicit use of words to tell the truth. She didn't know what he had planned. Sera's question was specific, and so she answered specifically.
Lute scoffed from the doorway but stifled it when Sera raised her hand in warning.
"Interesting." Sera peered over her head. Eyes locking on the screen, she focused on Niffty, Adam's killer. Yet, her next command had nothing to do with the little demon. "Angel has betrayed Heaven. List the charges."
"Seraphim?"
"Do your job." Sera's eyes burned with authority. "List. The. Charges!"
No. She didn't want to. Not on Angel! But a command from the Seraphim was never disobeyed. She closed her eyes for a moment to steady herself. When she opened them, she stood at attention and performed her duty. "Kevin Angelus Collins is accused of treason against Heaven. His crimes involve conspiring with Hell to betray the exorcist army to its ruin. He also abandoned his post and joined the Morningstar."
"Not only that," Sera added. "He broke the contract between Heaven and Lucifer, allowing Lucifer to interfere, which directly led to Adam's death."
"What!?" She spun to look at the replay, which was now paused on Angel kissing Charlie; her eyes widened in surprise. "How?"
"As a High Angel, he held the power to cancel the deal. He did so when he called on Lucifer to come aid his misguided daughter. Those events led to Adam's death, and I hold him responsible for it!"
She swallowed hard before continuing. "He is also charged with Adam's death." Oh, God, please. Help him!
"Final judgment, Eryn?" The elder angel prompted with eyes that seemed to burn with eagerness.
"Kevin Angelus Collins is guilty of all the listed charges. Punishment is as follows: He is stripped of his position as a High Angel. His existence will be stricken from all those who know him in Heaven, and he is exiled to Hell for all eternity, with no possibility of redemption outside of God's word itself."
"Very good." Sera's smile held no warmth. "You have done your job perfectly. I may have an assignment for you in a day or two. For now, go and meditate and find peace with yourself. I do know this was not an easy judgment to pass. I know Angel was your friend, and I truly sympathize with your loss."
No, you don't! She thought to herself, but aloud she accepted the request. "I will do as you command, Your Grace. Meditation will be most welcome."
Sera turned and stepped through the door, motioned for Lute to follow her, and flew off.
Lute paused before she followed and looked at her. "I am returning to my friend, who is prepping my new arm. Then we are going to have that talk again." Lute turned and launched into the air, following Sera.
Eryn waited until they were out of sight before she bowed her head. With a whisper under her breath, she added, "However, you are not stripped of any of your powers, Kevin Angelus Collins. May they protect you from what's to come."
Her eyes blazed as she sealed the judgment as an official declaration. A point that Sera forgot to stay for, and she was silently grateful she was able to give him this one last gift. After a last glance at the monitor, at the frozen image of Angel kissing Charlie, she turned and exited the room, closing the door behind her.
In the air, Sera stopped to wait for Lute, who flew up and gave her a stern look. "Tell me you saw it? Eryn is a sympathizer!"
Sera bowed her head. "I did. I will convince the court that we need an advisor sent to Hell and suggest Eryn for the mission. Thus, removing her from Heaven as you wish."
"How long do you think it will take?" Lute prodded. She needed to know how much time she had to prepare.
"I am going to the courts immediately." That part was a lie, as Sera needed to speak to someone else entirely. She looked at Lute. "But this isn't about bringing Angel back, Lute, but assigning Eryn to analyze the Hazbin Hotel and if the Morningstar's plan has merit. Do you understand?"
Lute glared at Sera, but inside, she was gleeful. Had Angel been brought back to face trial, the courts' tendency toward leniency would have meant that he would end up living a comfortable life, and even Lute would never be able to touch him. But, stuck in Hell? Stripped of his position? And with Eryn banished for eternity, since she knew redemption was impossible, it was perfect. What she had planned would be so much easier to carry out now. So, outwardly, she looked pissed and stated, "This isn't what I wanted, though! Angel needs to answer for his crimes."
"He's been exiled," Sera answered. "Forever bound to Hell. That is a far greater punishment than the courts would carry out."
"Death should be his appropriate punishment," Lute growled to play her part, but calmed her expression to placate Sera. "I guess you're right." She feigned compliance. "Will you allow me to privately escort Eryn to the portal once it's decided she will be sent to Hell? As a favor for the loss of Adam?"
"I suppose that will be fine," Sera sighed. "But until we determine the role of the Exorcist army, I am placing them and you on extended administrative leave. You will escort Eryn, and then I expect you to take a very long vacation and dispel your rage. Before you lose yourself and risk your own fall."
"I promise you." Lute smiled thinly. "Once I send Eryn to Hell, you won't see me for quite some time."
Misunderstanding Lute's intent, Sera nodded. "Good. Now go. Return to your friend. I will inform you of the court's decision once I have it."
"Yes, Your Grace." Lute saluted, turned, and flew off.
Sera remained behind, her eyes haunted by all the events that had unfolded in the last few days, the threats that hung over her head, and all of Heaven. But there was one who might have the answers she needed, one who'd come to Heaven seeking answers of her own. It was time to have a meeting with Lilith.