𝗖𝘆𝗿𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗺 - •°Chapter 1: The Birth of Destruction°•

WARNING: LONG CHAPTER AHEAD!!!

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1617 Years Ago...

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Nadia. The name alone carried weight among the Angels.

She was a revered Seraphim — one of only three. Her beauty was nothing short of ethereal, as if divinity itself had sculpted her. Silken white hair spilled down her pale, luminous skin like a waterfall of moonlight. Her Life Eyes glowed softly, two golden pools radiating warmth and kindness. They were not merely eyes, but symbols of healing, hope, and the divine power bestowed upon her.

Towering behind her were her wings — pure, pristine, and gleaming like freshly fallen snow under the first light of dawn. Each feather shimmered gently, as if whispering the promise of peace with every movement.

For centuries, Nadia had walked beside Queen Zoya Azrael, the Angel Queen herself. Their bond was not built overnight. It had been forged over countless eons, through trials, victories, and the heavy burdens of divine leadership. Their friendship stood as a beacon to all of Heaven — proof that trust and unity could withstand even the weight of eternity.

The other Angels held Nadia in the highest regard. To be the Queen’s closest confidante was not just an honor; it was a position earned through wisdom, compassion, and an unshakable devotion to the Heavenly Order.

When the time came to judge spirits, Queen Zoya found herself temporarily unable to fulfill the sacred duty. A rare celestial convergence—an intricate alignment of realms and energies—required her complete attention elsewhere. As the guardian of Heaven’s stability, she was tasked with performing an ancient ritual to strengthen the boundaries between the realms, a duty that only the reigning Angel Queen could fulfill.

Though her absence from the Judgement Scale was temporary, the work she undertook was vital to maintaining the balance between Heaven, Hell, and the Mortal Realm. Should the ritual be neglected, the fabric of reality could weaken, risking rifts that neither Angels nor Devils could control.

Thus, Queen Zoya entrusted her most trusted Seraphina, Nadia, with the sacred duty of judging spirits alongside the Devil King. Nadia's wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication made her the perfect choice to uphold justice and ensure that no soul would be left unjudged during the Queen's brief absence.

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Soon, Nadia was led to the Realm of Eternal Reckoning.

Here, the Angel Queen and Devil King sat in solemn opposition, their thrones positioned on either side of the sacred realm. The realm pulsed with an almost tangible tension, as if the weight of countless souls lingered in the air, waiting for their fate to be sealed.

To the left, the Angel Queen's domain radiated with serene majesty. Smooth marble, as white as starlight, rose into graceful arches, while soft beams of golden light filtered down like liquid sun. The ground was blanketed not by simple grass, but by a bed of luminous silver lilies that swayed gently as if moved by an invisible breeze. Carvings of angels in quiet prayer adorned the high pillars, their silent voices creating a soft, melodic hum that drifted like a hymn through the space.

In sharp contrast, the Devil King's domain loomed like a wound in reality itself. Jagged obsidian spires twisted unnaturally upward, clawing at the void above. Rivers of glowing molten rock snaked between scorched, cracked stone, casting an eerie crimson glow that flickered across the jagged terrain. The air here was heavier, charged with oppressive heat and the faint, distant echoes of tormented wails—a constant reminder of the price of damnation.

Between these two realms stood the Styx of Judgement, glowing with an otherworldly light. The circular, crystal-like surface pulsed with a soft, whitish hue, signaling the approach of spirits seeking judgment. As they drew near, the glow intensified, casting sharp beams of crystalline light that danced across the strange realm.

The Styx's smooth surface rippled softly, like gentle waves on a celestial shore, as it prepared to unveil the deepest truths hidden within each soul.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The judgment in the Realm of Eternal Reckoning unfolded through the ancient ritual of The Judgement Scale — a system as old as time itself:

1. The Scales of Karma: The Angel Queen and Devil King stood opposite one another, flanking a grand, celestial scale suspended in the air, its surface aglow with a soft, pulsating light.

2. The Spirit’s Deeds: The scale responded to the spirit’s lifetime of choices, silently drawing forth every action, intention, and hidden truth from the depths of their soul.

3. The Feather of Truth: With a grace only an Angel could possess, the Queen placed a single, pure white feather onto the scale. It embodied the spirit’s goodness, selflessness, and pure-hearted intentions.

4. The Devil’s Coin: Opposite her, the Devil King flicked a small, dark coin onto the scale — a chilling token of the spirit’s misdeeds, selfish choices, and sins.

5. The Balance: Slowly, the scale tipped — weighing light against darkness — until the spirit’s fate was revealed.

If it leaned toward the Queen’s side, the spirit was welcomed into Heaven.

If it fell toward the Devil King, the spirit was claimed by Hell.

And if, by rare chance, the scale held perfectly steady, the soul was sent into Purgatory — a realm of reflection, penance, and growth.

Every judgement was deliberate, fair, and complex — a true reflection of the countless shades that defined a soul’s journey. And though the ritual was ancient, the Queen and King were permitted to debate, discuss, and challenge one another, ensuring every fate was determined with absolute care.

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Once judgement was complete, the Angel Queen and Devil King invoked an ancient, mystical portal called The Gate of Destiny to send each spirit to its eternal fate:

1. The Gate of Destiny: A shimmering portal materialized before the spirit, its surface swirling with soft, ethereal light that pulsed like a living heartbeat.

2. The Angel Queen’s Blessing: For souls destined for Heaven, the Queen gently placed her hand upon the Gate. A warm, golden glow spread across its surface, bathing the spirit in peace, serenity, and the comforting embrace of divine grace.

3. The Devil King’s Mark: For those bound to Hell, the Devil King pressed his seal against the Gate. Instantly, the light shifted into a fiery crimson, flickering like infernal flames. A heavy air of dread clung to the spirit, as though the weight of their sins pulled them downward.

4. The Spirit’s Passage: With their fate sealed, the spirit stepped into the portal. For a fleeting moment, they glimpsed visions of the realm awaiting them — be it paradise, torment, or purgatory.

5. The Gate’s Closure: As the spirit vanished beyond the veil, the Gate slowly dissolved, its energy retreating into the void until summoned again for the next judgement.

Together, the Angel Queen and Devil King maintained the balance, guiding each soul to its rightful place. The Gate of Destiny stood as the final threshold — the sacred line separating light from darkness.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

The Devil King, King Zarius, was already waiting, seated with an air of casual authority upon his throne.

Nadia stepped into the Realm of Eternal Reckoning, her heart steady but her gaze drawn to the figure before her. Zarius’s tall frame lounged comfortably against the obsidian throne, his dark, expansive wings half-spread behind him like a shadowed tapestry. The sharp angles of his features, the cool confidence in his posture — it was hard not to stare.

She quickly caught herself, breaking eye contact as though snapping out of a daze. She had faced many formidable beings before, but none quite like the Devil King. And though she wouldn’t show it, his silent patience unsettled her. It was as if he was waiting for a reaction he knew he would receive.

Without a word exchanged, Nadia crossed the chamber and settled onto Queen Zoya’s vacant throne, her pristine white wings folding neatly behind her as the golden filigree of her seat gleamed softly in the glow of the Styx.

She became aware of his eyes upon her again, studying her — not with malice, but with a certain intrigue. Perhaps curiosity. Perhaps calculation. The absence of her Queen had clearly not gone unnoticed, but King Zarius offered no comment on it. Instead, he simply observed, his expression unreadable.

The faint glow of the Styx of Judgement pulsed softly, then grew brighter as its surface began to ripple. The first spirit had arrived.

From the shimmering light emerged a young man, no older than twenty. His dark hair hung slightly tousled over pale skin, his eyes wide and unsettled. He was dressed plainly — a simple white t-shirt and black jeans — a stark contrast to the otherworldly beauty of the realm around him.

Materializing fully, he stood with his back angled toward the Devil King's domain. As he turned and caught sight of Nadia, his breath hitched. His mouth fell open in awe, then disbelief. He rubbed at his eyes, as though sure that what he was seeing couldn't possibly be real.

"W-where... where am I?" he finally managed, voice small against the vastness surrounding him.

Nadia spoke with a calm, soothing tone that seemed to ease the very air. "You are in the Realm of Eternal Reckoning, Riegel," she said softly, her wings folding gracefully behind her. "I am Nadia, and this is King Zarius. We are here to weigh your spirit and guide you to your eternal fate."

Riegel’s eyes flicked toward the Devil King, and his fear visibly deepened. Zarius sat watching him with the cool disinterest of someone far too familiar with mortals’ predictable reactions.

"Am I... am I dead?" Riegel stammered.

King Zarius tched, his deep voice edged with mild irritation. "Obviously, mortal," he said, his gaze sharp as a blade. "You would not be standing here otherwise."

The judgement process unfolded, the sacred ritual beginning. Nadia gently placed the Feather of Truth onto the Scales of Karma, its soft, pure glow balancing delicately on one side. Opposite her, King Zarius flicked his wrist, releasing the Devil's Coin onto the scale, its dark surface gleaming ominously.

As the scales shifted and settled, the decision was made.

Nadia offered a warm smile. “Welcome, Riegel, to the Realm of Heaven. Your heart is pure, and your actions have earned you a place among the blessed.”

For a moment, Riegel simply stood there, frozen. His chest heaved, his wide eyes darting between them as if still trying to grasp reality. “I... I really died…” he whispered, his voice breaking. A shaky breath escaped him before a flood of relief washed over his face. “But... Heaven...?” His eyes glistened as a fragile smile broke through. “Thank you... thank you so much!”

King Zarius raised an eyebrow, watching the mortal's display with thinly veiled irritation. “Do not think this is a guarantee of eternal bliss, mortal. Your actions in Heaven will still be judged.”

Riegel nodded quickly, bowing his head. “I understand. Thank you again!”

Unlike Queen Zoya, Nadia did not possess the innate authority to command the Gate of Destiny. To remedy this, the Queen had entrusted her with a sacred artifact — the Sceptre of Passage.

The sceptre was a magnificent, elongated staff, its shaft smooth and elegant, embedded with gold-colored gems that sparkled like captured sunlight. The gems followed a graceful, swirling pattern, as though the very flow of divine energy coursed through them. Each gem pulsed faintly, exuding an aura of wisdom, purity, and celestial power.

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As Nadia raised the sceptre, the radiant gems shimmered under the Realm’s ethereal glow, casting soft ripples of golden light across the crystalline floor. The staff rested easily in her grasp, perfectly balanced as she tapped it lightly against the shimmering portal.

The Gate of Destiny responded, its surface pulsing gently, shifting into a soft golden hue under Nadia's touch.

Riegel hesitated for only a moment, then stepped forward, drawn toward the inviting glow. As his form dissolved into light, Nadia’s wings unfurled behind her, their gentle luminescence guiding him through the passage.

Beside her, King Zarius watched the entire process in silence, his expression unreadable, eyes sharp beneath his calm demeanor. After a brief pause, his voice rumbled smoothly. “The next spirit approaches. Let us proceed.”

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

As the judgments continued, day after day, month after month, Nadia and King Zarius settled into a rhythm. At first, their exchanges were brief and purely professional, the air heavy with the natural tension between light and darkness. But as time wore on, the repetition of their duties slowly chipped away at the rigid formality that once defined their encounters.

Their conversations grew more fluid, no longer bound by stiff courtesy. A comment here. A sharp retort there. Occasionally, even a wry smile would flicker across King Zarius’s lips — a gesture Nadia found oddly unsettling, though not entirely unpleasant.

Though she remained cautious, her initial wariness softened as she observed him. Zarius, for all his dark power and reputation, was not what she had expected. He was composed, intelligent, and at times, surprisingly patient. And in rare moments — moments that Nadia tried not to dwell on — he showed a kind of subtle charm beneath his cold exterior.

At first, she dismissed these thoughts as simple curiosity, the kind anyone might feel when confronted with the unfamiliar. But as the seasons passed, that curiosity grew more persistent. She found herself glancing toward him more often, listening to the cadence of his voice, noting the subtle nuances in his words.

Nadia shook the feelings away whenever they surfaced, silently scolding herself. She was Queen Zoya’s closest confidante — she knew better than to be lulled by a Devil, the Devil King no less. And yet, the faint pull remained, quietly nestling into the corners of her heart.

All the while, King Zarius continued as if nothing had changed. His manner remained controlled, his tone steady, but behind his crimson eyes, he observed everything — including the slow erosion of Nadia’s defenses.

Queen Zoya, ever perceptive, remained—at least outwardly—unaware of the faint shift in Nadia’s demeanor. It was a small comfort to Nadia. She knew that if her friend suspected even a hint of what stirred within her, the Queen would have gently, but firmly, intervened. Zoya’s wisdom was vast; it was only Nadia’s careful composure that kept her suspicions at bay — for now.

But King Zarius was not as easily fooled. He watched Nadia closely, his gaze sharp beneath the relaxed veneer he maintained. Every hesitant glance, every thoughtful pause in her words, every flicker of uncertainty — he saw them all. And where most would tread carefully, Zarius seized the openings.

He adjusted his manner, ever so slightly. A gentler tone here. A fleeting moment of vulnerability there. Carefully chosen words that hinted at a complexity beneath his fearsome title. He painted the illusion of a Devil who, perhaps, was not entirely consumed by his nature.

Though he claimed—when alone with his own thoughts—that he was falling for her, the truth was far more calculated. Desire for control, for possession, drove him. He wanted her under his influence, to turn her light into something he could wield.

And slowly, Zarius's calculated approach began to work. The more she saw of this apparent depth, the more Nadia found herself questioning her assumptions. Could there truly be shades of good in even the darkest of beings? She dared not answer that question aloud — not yet — but the seed of doubt was planted.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

After sending the latest condemned soul through the Gate to Infernox, the realm momentarily fell silent. The faint glow of the Styx shimmered in its usual rhythm, as if waiting for the next arrival. But for now, there were no spirits — only the two of them.

King Zarius rose slowly from his throne, his dark wings folding behind him with measured grace. His voice cut through the stillness, low and husky. “Nadia,” he began, his eyes locked onto hers, “these long months we’ve spent together… they’ve stirred something within me. Something I never thought possible.”

Nadia blinked, surprised by the sudden intimacy in his tone. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came.

“I have come to realize,” he continued, stepping closer, “that I have fallen deeply in love with you.”

Her heart skipped a beat, unprepared for such a confession. She was silent for a moment, her mind struggling to reconcile what she heard with everything she knew — about him, about Devils, about their roles.

“King Zarius…” she finally managed, her voice soft, unsure. “I… I don’t know what to say. I never… thought of you like that.”

Zarius smiled — a perfectly crafted mixture of vulnerability and charm. “I understand,” he said gently, his eyes holding hers. “But consider this: these months, the countless souls we’ve judged side by side… they’ve given me a glimpse of your heart. Your grace. Your strength. I could not ignore it.”

Nadia hesitated, her thoughts racing. She had always been cautious, always wary of Devils — but this… this felt different. Or was it? She wasn’t certain anymore.

“Say you’ll give me a chance, Nadia,” Zarius whispered, lowering his voice even more. “Say you’ll be mine.”

The silence hung heavy between them, the weight of her decision pressing upon her chest. And somewhere in the far distance, as if mocking her turmoil, the Styx of Judgement continued its gentle, endless ripple.

Before Nadia could respond, the light of the Styx of Judgement dimmed. Its crystalline surface pulsed softly one final time before fading into stillness — no more souls approached. The Realm of Eternal Reckoning grew quiet, its heavy silence signaling a temporary reprieve.

Seizing the moment, King Zarius rose from his throne and stepped closer. His hand reached out, gently wrapping around Nadia’s. She stiffened slightly, caught off guard, but before she could pull away, the world around her began to twist and blur. Shadows coiled like smoke, and a swirling vortex of dark energy engulfed them.

When the distortion faded, Nadia found herself standing within the Devil King's palace.

The confines of the palace unfolded like a dark, velvet-draped tapestry, woven with threads of mystery and power. Towering pillars of glittering black stone rose like sentinels, supporting a vaulted ceiling that vanished into the oppressive shadows. The walls were adorned with intricate, crimson-tinged frescoes, each one a chilling depiction of King Zarius' conquests and triumphs, stretching into the gloom above.

Soft, golden light flickered from ornate candelabras, casting long, shifting shadows across the room. The lavish furnishings glowed under the warm light—plush, ebony-black couches and chairs, upholstered in rich scarlet velvet, arranged with careful intent. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices, mingled faintly with the ever-present trace of brimstone — a subtle reminder of the palace’s infernal nature.

At the room's center, a magnificent throne, carved from a single piece of gleaming obsidian, sat atop a dais, awaiting the Devil King's presence. Nadia's gaze was drawn to the throne, her eyes glinting with a blend of awe and unease. This was not just a chamber—it was King Zarius’s inner sanctum, and she was now standing at its heart.

For a moment, she simply stood there, her senses adjusting, her pulse still racing from the abrupt transition. The Devil King remained close, his grip on her hand firm but not forceful, as if savoring the contact.

“This is my sanctuary,” Zarius said softly, his voice like silk laced with power. “A place where we may speak without judgment, without interruptions.”

Her unease deepened, a gnawing sensation twisting in her chest. Something in the air, in the way the shadows curled around her, made her instincts bristle with caution. She took a subtle step back, her wings folding tighter against her back.

“King Zarius,” she whispered, her voice wavering, “I... I don’t know if this is wise. I feel... trapped.”

Zarius’s brows furrowed with a convincing look of concern. He gently tightened his grip on her hand, lowering his voice into a soft, reassuring cadence. “What troubles you, my love? You are safe here with me.”

Nadia’s gaze darted briefly to the towering obsidian throne behind him, its presence looming over her like a silent sentinel. “I just... I feel like I’m making a terrible mistake,” she admitted, her voice barely audible. “Like I’m stepping into darkness with no idea of what lies ahead.”

King Zarius’s smile remained steady, his tone warm, persuasive — a masterful blend of charm and control. “Fear not, Nadia. You are not alone in the dark. I will be your guide... your protector.” His crimson eyes gleamed faintly in the candlelight. “Together, we will navigate whatever shadows may come.”

As King Zarius gazed upon Nadia, a sly, inward smile curled beneath his composed expression. Behind his crimson eyes, his thoughts twisted with amusement and quiet contempt.

'Ah, Nadia. So pure. So painfully naive.

She believes me — me — the Devil King, capable of love? How delightfully foolish. With but a few carefully chosen words, a feigned softness in my voice, I’ve drawn her in, feeding her fragile hopes like a flame feeds on kindling.

She sees what she wishes to see: a creature capable of redemption. A heart waiting to be softened. A soul she might save.

But I am no such thing. I am deceit incarnate — a master of shadows, a weaver of lies. And she, poor fool, is blind to it all.

Still, I will continue this little charade. I will whisper my false promises, stroke her pride, and make her believe she holds my heart. She will cling to every word, desperate to believe in a fantasy that does not exist.

And in time... when she is fully mine, when the pieces are set — then the true game begins.

The harmony of Heaven... the fragile balance of the cosmos — all will shatter. And at its center, my greatest creation will rise.

Nadia... you will be the perfect catalyst for it all.'

King Zarius’s ultimate ambition had never been simple seduction. From the beginning, his eyes were set on something far greater — the creation of a Nephalem: a being born from both celestial purity and infernal corruption, wielding power unlike anything the cosmos had ever seen.

Nadia was never anything more than a vessel — a means to an end. He had carefully manipulated her emotions, her trust, her very soul. He had wrapped his lies in silk, whispered half-truths behind tender smiles, and patiently guided her down the path of ruin.

The Nephalem would become his ultimate weapon — a harbinger of chaos and destruction. Through this creature, King Zarius would unlock ancient, forbidden powers, tearing open the boundaries of creation itself. Heaven would crumble. The celestial gates would fall. The balance carefully maintained since the dawn of time would be shattered.

But his ambitions reached even further. Entire worlds — countless realms beyond the veil of mortal comprehension — would bow to him. Kingdom after kingdom would fall into his grasp, enslaved beneath his rule. The Nephalem would lead the charge, a living embodiment of despair, of everything both Heaven and Hell were never meant to create.

Nadia — once a radiant Seraphim, Queen Zoya’s trusted confidante — was now reduced to little more than a pawn in his grand design. Her light would fuel the birth of ultimate darkness. Her purity would be twisted into the very abomination she would have once given her life to destroy.

And now, as the seed of his creation began to stir within her, the stage was set. The universe held its breath.

The great war was coming.

And the Nephalem would stand at its center.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

As the months slipped by, Queen Zoya finally completed her long-standing duties and returned to the Realm of Eternal Reckoning. With her return, Nadia was relieved of her temporary responsibilities. The two thrones once more stood fully occupied — Zoya presiding over the celestial balance, and King Zarius opposite her, their uneasy alliance restored to its formal state.

But with Queen Zoya's return came new complications. Nadia and King Zarius could no longer meet openly within the Realm of Eternal Reckoning. Their forbidden meetings were forced into secrecy, hidden in the shrouded corners of the underworld, far from the watchful eyes of the angelic host. The thrill of secrecy only seemed to intensify King Zarius’s carefully orchestrated seduction.

As the days turned to weeks, and the weeks to months, Nadia’s body began to change. At first, she dismissed the subtle signs — a strange warmth in her core, brief waves of fatigue, unfamiliar sensations that she attributed to exhaustion or the strain of her duties. But soon, there was no denying it: her belly swelled with life.

Shock rippled through her, mingling with a creeping dread. This was not supposed to happen — not so soon, not at all. As a Seraphim, her fertility was a rare and sacred phenomenon, occurring only once every five centuries. The chance of conception during her brief fertile window was astronomically low. And yet, here she stood, unmistakably pregnant.

Panic clutched her chest, but King Zarius was quick to soothe her. His voice was honeyed, his words a masterful blend of comfort and feigned vulnerability.

"This child," he whispered, gently resting a hand against her growing belly, "is a miracle, Nadia. A testament to the rare and powerful bond we share. Fate itself has blessed us."

Despite her unease, his reassurance wrapped around her like velvet. Against her better judgment, Nadia allowed herself to believe. She told herself this child could be something beautiful — a bridge between two worlds. The doubts in her heart were drowned beneath waves of hope, carefully stirred by King Zarius’s calculated affection.

What she could not see, however, was the dark gleam hidden in his gaze. This was no accident. This was the moment he had been waiting for — centuries of patience culminating in the seed now growing within her. The Nephalem was already taking form.

And with it, the first crack in the foundation of Heaven had been struck.

Meanwhile, deep within his dark dominion, King Zarius reveled in the news, his mind ablaze with anticipation. The child growing within Nadia was more than a mere union — it was the key to unraveling the celestial order. His patience had paid off. Now, he carefully began laying the groundwork for the next phase of his ultimate design — the downfall of Heaven and the eventual subjugation of countless worlds beyond.

Every secret meeting, every whispered promise, every carefully measured word had led to this. And soon, when the Nephalem was born, nothing would be able to stop him.

Back in the celestial realm, Queen Zoya remained blissfully unaware of the full extent of Zarius’s machinations — but not entirely blind. Her sharp intuition, honed by eons of leadership, sensed that something was amiss. She observed Nadia closely, noting the subtle shifts in her demeanor: the lingering glances, the rare absences, the quiet withdrawal.

Though Nadia fought to maintain her composure, masking the physical signs of her pregnancy as long as she could, Queen Zoya’s suspicions steadily grew. Her concern simmered beneath her calm exterior, restrained for now, but ready to surface should the need arise.

And still, with each passing day, Nadia’s belly grew — as did the quiet, mounting tension in the heavenly realm. Unseen storm clouds gathered in the distance, their presence heralding a catastrophe yet to come. The Nephalem’s birth would be the spark — and King Zarius was ready to ignite the flames.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Nadia's labor was a secret affair, hidden deep within the Devil King’s realm — far away from the watchful eyes of the heavenly host. The chamber glowed dimly with flickering enchanted flames as the air hung thick with tension. King Zarius stood nearby, watching intently as Nadia endured the agonizing pain.

Finally, the cries of a newborn echoed through the chamber.

The midwives presented the child to them, and King Zarius’s breath caught. His anticipation twisted into disappointment as his eyes scanned the small, fragile form. Not the Nephalem he had so meticulously planned for. Instead, a Devil — pure and unmistakable.

The child’s pale skin gleamed softly in the dim light. Delicate black wings folded against his back, two small crimson horns protruded from his temples, and a tiny Devil’s tail twitched with each piercing cry. His glowing red Death Eyes stared blankly into the world.

Nadia, exhausted yet glowing with maternal warmth, cradled the infant in her arms. A tender smile spread across her face as she whispered softly,

“Lloyd… I’ll call him Lloyd.”

King Zarius offered a hollow smile, barely concealing the irritation simmering beneath.

“Yes… Lloyd.”

But inwardly, his thoughts were cold and calculating.

'Not the Nephalem. Not yet.'

'I will simply have to wait... another five hundred years.'

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

And so, the centuries crawled by.

For immortal beings, five hundred years was but a blink — yet for King Zarius, it was a maddening, excruciating wait. While Nadia showered Lloyd with love, raising him with all the warmth and tenderness of a devoted mother, King Zarius watched from afar, calculating his next move.

The child remained young despite the passing centuries, still innocent, still too small to understand the grand designs his father harbored. To mortals, Lloyd might resemble a child of barely five or ten years of age. But to King Zarius, every year was another inch closer to his ultimate goal.

During those centuries, Zarius solidified his power: fortifying his armies, forging new alliances across dark realms, and maneuvering his political webs even into the fringes of Heaven itself. And yet, to Nadia, he remained the loving, patient partner—masking his obsession behind hollow affection.

Then, at long last, subtle shifts rippled across the celestial balance. The rare fertility that only came once every five centuries returned.

King Zarius became aware of it almost immediately, a faint, distant ripple in the delicate threads that connected the realms. His lips curved ever so slightly.

'This time...', he thought, 'The Nephalem shall be born.'

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

King Zarius’s eyes gleamed as he gazed at Nadia, her belly once again full with new life. Centuries had passed since the birth of Lloyd, and though time was meaningless for immortals, his patience had been tested long enough. The rare return of Nadia’s fertility had finally arrived, and now, she was carrying their second child.

Nadia glowed with an ethereal radiance, utterly unaware of the storm that brewed behind King Zarius’s careful gaze. Her devotion to their son, Lloyd, who still remained childlike despite his centuries of slow supernatural aging, had only deepened her love and trust for Zarius over the years. She saw him not as the Devil King, but as a father and partner — exactly as he intended.

But deep within Zarius’s mind, caution gnawed at him. The outcome of this pregnancy remained uncertain. Would this child finally be the Nephalem he so meticulously plotted for? Or would fate mock him once more — birthing either an Angel, or yet another Devil?

'If it’s an Angel', he thought coldly, 'I’ll have no choice but to dispose of it. But if it’s the Nephalem… everything will finally fall into place.'

His lips curved into a faint smile, barely concealing his simmering anticipation. The balance of Heaven and Hell, the entire fate of the universe, hung upon the child growing within Nadia.

And she, ever trusting, simply smiled, completely unaware of the grand game in which she had become the most critical piece.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Nadia made her way to the Heavenly Palace, her steps graceful and silent upon the polished crystal floors. Yet beneath her calm facade, conflicting emotions swirled. She could feel Queen Zoya’s watchful eyes growing sharper in recent days — subtle glances, unspoken questions.Today, she hoped to put those doubts to rest.

The palace shimmered like a beacon suspended between the realms, its towering crystal spires piercing the heavens, reflecting endless rays of divine light. Marble halls of immaculate white stretched before her, polished to a mirror sheen, each step echoing softly beneath her delicate sandals.

Her wings fluttered lightly behind her as she moved with grace through the grand corridors, their crystal-lined walls glistening with a living radiance. Fellow Angels offered gentle smiles and respectful nods as she passed, but Nadia sensed the faint undercurrent of their curious gazes. Whispers followed her — soft as feathers, but heavy as lead.

As she neared the Queen’s chambers, the towering double doors — adorned with intricate carvings of seraphim, cherubim, and celestial symbols — swung open before she could even lift her hand to knock. Queen Zoya stood there, her expression unreadable, and with a single elegant gesture, she pulled Nadia gently but firmly into the chamber.

The room glowed with warm, golden light, as if the very essence of Heaven breathed within its walls. Yet beneath that warmth, Nadia could feel it — the unspoken tension, like the still air before a coming storm.

The Queen's chambers were a marvel of celestial artistry. Walls shimmered with shelves of ancient tomes, their bindings glistening like distant constellations. The air carried the faint sweetness of ambrosia, while the soft strains of harp music drifted like whispers from unseen corners.

As soon as Nadia entered, Queen Zoya, graceful and poised, made her way to her throne-like chair, her golden aura illuminating the room as she sat.

She raised her hand, beckoning Nadia closer.

“Nadia, my dear, what weighs upon you?” Zoya’s voice was as soft as a melody, yet carried the unmistakable undertone of command. “You have grown distant. I sense a shadow stirring within you.”

Nadia’s composure faltered for the briefest moment, but she quickly masked it with a gentle smile. “No, Your Majesty… Zoya. Nothing troubles me.”

The Queen’s gaze sharpened, her eyes glinting with quiet authority. “Do not deceive me, Nadia. I know your spirit. I feel your unrest. What burdens you?”

Nadia drew a slow breath, choosing her words with care. “I… I’ve simply been reflecting on my duties. At times, the weight of them can feel… overwhelming.”

For a heartbeat, Queen Zoya said nothing, studying her closely. Then she nodded, her voice warm but edged with subtle warning. “Very well. If that is all, I trust you will find balance again. But remember, my friend, my counsel is always open to you — should you find the courage to speak.”

The two friends soon drifted into lighter conversation, speaking of trivial matters — celestial festivals, court gossip, and minor affairs of the realm. Their laughter rang softly, filling the chamber with a fleeting warmth that masked the tension beneath.

As their conversation drew to a close, Nadia stood, smoothing her gown. Queen Zoya rose gracefully from her throne-like chair and approached her. With gentle arms, she embraced her trusted friend.

“Farewell, Nadia,” she whispered, her voice melodic yet steady. “May the light of Heaven guide you.”

Nadia smiled, masking the tangle of emotions beneath her calm exterior. “Thank you, Zoya.” She waved lightly and departed, a quiet sigh of relief escaping as the doors closed behind her. Her secret, for now, remained hidden.

But as the chamber quieted, Queen Zoya’s expression shifted. Her narrowed eyes followed the closed doors, her mind swirling with growing suspicion. The warmth faded, replaced by silent resolve.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

.King Zarius's eyes gleamed with triumph as he gazed upon Nadia, her belly now having brought forth new life. His patience had finally borne fruit. Centuries of careful manipulation, feigned affection, and flawless deception had led to this moment — the creation of a Nephalem.

The seemingly endless love Nadia poured into their son, Lloyd, had tested his endurance, but he had worn the mask of devoted partner and father with ease. Every smile, every tender gesture had been a step closer to this victory.

As the newborn emerged, King Zarius watched with barely contained excitement. The infant’s tiny form radiated a potent, otherworldly energy that rippled through the chamber like a silent storm. Its piercing eyes shimmered with a brilliant light — neither fully angelic nor fully demonic — but something entirely new. Something powerful.

In that instant, King Zarius knew.

A Nephalem.

The perfect fusion of divine and infernal blood. A being of limitless potential — one that could shatter the fragile balance of the cosmos, bend both Heaven and Earth to his will, and ultimately, deliver him the dominion he so craved.

Nadia, exhausted but glowing, gazed at their newborn with pure, untainted joy. She clutched the child gently against her chest, unaware of the storm gathering beyond her sight. “Our little one is perfect,” she whispered, her voice tender and full of love.

King Zarius smiled, his expression warm and genuine to the unsuspecting eye. “Yes, my dear,” he murmured softly, his eyes never leaving the child. “Our child is indeed... special.”

As he stared at the Nephalem, his thoughts swirled with dark ambition. The fate of the universe hung precariously in the balance — and King Zarius held the reins.

The game had truly begun.

»»———————-　♔　———————-««

Nadia: "I'm not sure what's more surprising, King Zarius, your patience or your ability to wear that much black without sweating."

King Zarius: "And I'm not sure what's more surprising, Nadia, your naivety or your ability to wear that much white without getting dirty."

96Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4XtzcnjCO

[A/N]: Just so you'd know, the quotes used at the end of the chapters don't really relate to the story. I don't want y'all getting confused or something. Also, I may or may not have combined 2 chapters together :^)

Thanks for reading! ^^

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