The North was quiet. Too quiet.
Snow fell in soft sheets over Wintercrest Fortress, muffling every sound. The soldiers, wrapped in furs, patrolled the walls with steady rhythm — unaware that the silence itself was a warning.
High above the clouds, a rift opened — a tear of crimson and gold that pulsed like a heartbeat.From it descended a figure cloaked in burning feathers, his wings smoldering with divine wrath.
The air around him shimmered, warping under the heat. Each snowflake that touched his aura evaporated instantly.
His name was Seraph Ignar, the Flame of Retribution — Celestia's elder brother.
Ignar landed upon a lonely peak north of the fortress. Beneath him stretched the white plains of Arden's dukedom, glowing faintly under the pale moon.
He closed his eyes and murmured, "So this is where she fell… among mortals."
His voice dripped with disdain. Yet somewhere deep inside, there was hesitation — the kind only one angel could cause.
A second voice echoed in his mind — the cold command of the Seraph of Storms.
"No mercy, Ignar. The Radiant Seraph has strayed too far. She must be purged."
Ignar's burning eyes flickered. "I understand… brother."
He spread his wings, the sky igniting behind him. And with a thunderous burst of flame, he soared toward the northern fortress.
Arden's senses snapped awake long before the alarm sounded.
The Qi in his body pulsed in warning — sharp, electric, like the crackle before lightning.
He stood from his desk, eyes narrowing toward the horizon. Through the snowfall, he saw it: a distant streak of red fire cutting across the night sky.
"Another Seraph," he muttered. "Tch. They just don't learn."
He grabbed his black blade — Heavenbreaker — the sword forged from the crystallized remains of Seraphiel's divine core. Its edge hummed softly, eager for divine blood.
Outside, Mira and Ryn were already waiting. Mira's cat ears twitched, her qi flaring. "Something's coming fast. Feels heavy."
Ryn nodded, hand on her spear. "Same energy as the last one… but hotter."
Arden's tone was calm but commanding. "Evacuate the lower barracks. Selene, put a barrier over the inner courtyard. Now."
Within seconds, Wintercrest's defenses flared to life — blue runes glowing across its walls, snow melting in rings of light.
And at the center of the courtyard stood Celestia.
She looked to the sky, eyes widening slightly as the clouds ignited.
"No… not him."
Flames roared as Ignar descended, his fiery wings spreading across the heavens. He struck the ground in an explosion of molten snow, cracks spiderwebbing beneath his feet.
When the light faded, he stood tall — golden armor gleaming, his sword wreathed in living fire.
"Celestia," he said coldly. "You should not have come here."
She met his gaze, sorrow flickering in her eyes. "Ignar. So Heaven sends you now?"
"I didn't wish to," he admitted, lowering his head for a brief moment. "But you've strayed too far. You walk among mortals, speak their tongue, live their lies."
"Ignar," she whispered, stepping closer. "You don't understand. These people—"
"They are beneath us!"
His shout split the air like thunder. The flames behind him roared higher. "You've forgotten what we are, sister. You've let his corruption touch you."
His burning eyes shifted toward Arden, who now stood at Celestia's side, calm and unflinching.
"So you're the mortal who thinks himself a god."
Arden's tone was flat. "I don't think. I surpass."
Ignar snarled. "Arrogance."
"Observation," Arden countered. "I've killed one of your kind before. Don't make me repeat the lesson."
The courtyard trembled. The divine and the mortal forces collided — Qi against Divinity, pride against purpose.
Celestia raised her voice, desperate. "Ignar, stop! Please—"
He didn't.
Ignar's blade flared. "Then you shall burn!"
He launched forward, faster than sound. Arden met the blow mid-swing, sparks scattering like stars. The impact shattered the ground, sending shockwaves through the fortress.
The air rippled with their power — Arden's golden Qi compressing against Ignar's divine flame.
Ryn and Mira barely dodged the blast, shielding the soldiers as walls cracked and torches exploded.
Arden twisted his blade, redirecting Ignar's fire upward. "Your flames burn bright," he said evenly. "But they lack purpose."
Ignar snarled, eyes blazing. "Purpose? My fire purifies!"
"Then it fails," Arden shot back, his Qi surging.
He moved faster — too fast for mortal eyes. His movements were clean, sharp, filled with centuries of martial precision. Every strike carried the calm intent of a master who had transcended violence itself.
Ignar countered with divine fury — his sword blazing arcs of molten energy. The heavens themselves thundered with each clash.
Celestia watched in agony, torn between duty and heart.
"Stop… please…"
But neither heard her.
Finally, Arden parried a downward strike and sent Ignar crashing into the courtyard wall. Flames erupted, stone melted.
He pointed his blade at the fallen Seraph. "Heaven's judgment ends here."
Ignar rose, battered but burning with pride. "Then come, mortal. Burn with me!"
He drew in his wings, his aura condensing into a single point of blinding fire — Seraphic Burst, a self-consuming attack meant to erase both body and soul.
Celestia's eyes widened in horror. "No!"
Without thinking, she flew between them, her wings unfurling in a flash of silver.
The explosion lit up the night.
When the light cleared, the fortress was half-destroyed. Snow turned to steam.
Arden stood unharmed, his Qi shield holding firm — though faint blood trickled from his lip.
Ignar knelt, his armor shattered, his wings scorched. Celestia stood before him, shielding Arden with her own wings, now tattered and burned.
"Why, sister…?" Ignar gasped weakly.
She smiled softly. "Because I finally saw the world you refused to see."
Ignar's flames dimmed, and for the first time, his expression softened — confusion, then regret.
He reached out a trembling hand, touching her cheek. "You… always were stubborn."
Then he collapsed, the divine fire fading from his body.
Celestia fell to her knees beside him, tears mixing with the falling snow.
Arden watched silently, his eyes unreadable.
He sheathed his sword slowly and spoke, his voice low. "He chose loyalty over truth. You chose truth over Heaven."
Celestia looked up, pain and conviction burning in her gaze. "And you, mortal Duke… which will you choose when both stand against you?"
Arden turned away, the wind carrying his quiet reply.
"Neither. I'll forge my own Heaven."