In the Highest Heaven
The Heaven Father stood before the Celestial Gates, arms folded behind his back, watching the lower realms quietly.
Behind him
Soft footsteps.
His daughter stepped forward.
Radiant. Composed.
Her name: Seraphina Aurelion.
Light wove gently around her like living silk.
She hesitated only slightly.
Father.. may I ask something
He didn't turn.
You already are.
A pause.
Then
May I marry Kael Veyris
Silence.
The clouds stopped moving.
The Heaven Father slowly turned.
I thought you disliked him.
Seraphina crossed her arms lightly.
I dislike that he teases me.
I dislike that he acts calm when he knows he's impressive.
I dislike that he doesn't try to impress Heaven.
A pause.
Her voice softened.
But he stands beside the World Tree without kneeling.
The Reset did not erase him.
And he chooses balance.
The Heaven Father stared at her.
Long.
Then a slow smirk formed.
Ah. So you do like him.
Her wings flared faintly.
That is not the point.
He laughed once.
Deep. Amused.
You're the first in 100,000,000,000 years to request marriage.
She lifted her chin.
Then perhaps it is time.
The Heaven Father sighed dramatically.
Very well. But he must speak with me first.
Kael stood in his chamber, speaking calmly with Lyra.
The horizon is shifting. Another descent is near.
Lyra blinked.
Please tell me this is not another wife.
Kael smirked slightly.
Before he could answer
Light split open above him.
Heavenly energy descended in a pillar.
The Heaven Father appeared.
Arms folded.
Expression unreadable.
Kael Veyris.
Kael turned casually.
You look serious. That usually means politics.
The Heaven Father exhaled.
My daughter wishes to marry you.
Silence.
Lyra slowly turned her head toward her father.
Kael blinked once.
…Huh.
He rubbed his chin slightly.
That's new.
The Heaven Father narrowed his eyes.
Do not look pleased.
Kael's lips twitched faintly.
I'm not. I'm… evaluating.
Good. Because if you mishandle this, Heaven will test you properly.
Kael's aura didn't flare.
Didn't challenge.
He simply met the Heaven Father's gaze calmly.
If she chooses it freely, I won't refuse without reason.
The Heaven Father studied him carefully.
Then nodded once.
She will speak to you herself.
Light folded.
He vanished.
Lyra stared at her father.
…HOW MANY.
Kael looked toward the sky thoughtfully.
Apparently… Heaven is expanding.
Far above
Seraphina stood at the edge of the Celestial Realm.
Determined.
The next meeting would not be arranged by politics.
It would be personal.
And Kael Veyris
For the first time
He looked slightly intrigued.