The mansion had never felt so heavy.
Lucien stood by the window of the east wing, his back rigid, arms crossed. Outside, the moonlight glinted off the black iron gates, highlighting the mansion's sprawling gardens. Normally, the night carried soft murmurs: wind in the trees, whispers of servants, the low shuffle of Adrian and the apprentices patrolling the halls. Tonight, nothing moved. The air was thick, suffocating, as if the mansion itself was holding its breath.
Celestia stood behind him, her hands fidgeting nervously. The events of Lucifer's visit — the Demon King's presence, his voice echoing with molten authority — still burned in her mind. The mark on her chest pulsed faintly under her blouse, as if reminding her that she was more than just a girl. More than mortal.
"She is stronger than we anticipated," Adrian said, stepping quietly from the shadows. His pale, icy blue eyes were fixed on her, calculating. The higher vampire always observed, always assessed. He never moved without purpose. Tonight, he seemed particularly tense.
Lucien didn't respond. His mind was elsewhere, focused on the ripple of power he had felt hours ago — a power unlike any other, a presence that chilled the air in a way that even Hell could not match.
Celestia's voice broke the silence. "What is it? What's happening now?"
Lucien finally turned to face her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. They were unreadable, almost too deep to look into, but she could feel the intensity of his thoughts, the weight of centuries in his gaze.
"Celestia," he said, his voice low, deliberate. "You need to understand something. Your blood… your existence… it has drawn attention."
"Attention?" she echoed, confusion tightening her chest. "From whom?"
He stepped closer, the warmth of his presence brushing against her despite the chill in the room. "Heaven. They've noticed you."
Her stomach dropped. "Heaven?"
"Yes," he said, his jaw tight. "They see you as a threat. But also… as a tool. Something to control the balance between realms."
Her breath caught. "A tool… for what?"
Lucien's eyes darkened. "To stop Hell. And if they succeed… they will not hesitate to claim you. Alive or not. Their reasoning does not care for your safety. They will take you as a weapon, a bridge, a key — however it suits their purposes."
Celestia's hands trembled. She pressed them against her chest, feeling the mark burn faintly beneath her skin. "So… I'm not safe here either?"
"No place is safe for you," he said firmly. "Not Heaven. Not Hell. Not the human world. But here…" He reached for her, his dark fingers brushing hers, grounding her. "Here, I can protect you. Here, I can ensure you survive."
The words made her chest tighten. Warmth spread through her despite the cold tension in the room.
Outside, the air shifted. The silence of the night snapped as though pierced by invisible ice. The trees in the garden trembled. Something moved among the shadows — something that did not belong. A glow of pure, blinding white cut through the darkness, unnatural, consuming. Celestia's breath caught. Her mark pulsed faster, hotter.
Lucien's posture stiffened. His gaze sharpened, sweeping the gardens. "They are already here," he murmured.
Her pulse raced. "Who? What are they going to do?"
Lucien's hand remained firm on hers. "Prepare yourself. You will not be able to run from this. And you will need to understand your strength — fully."
A soft rustle from the corridors announced the arrival of the apprentices. Adrian appeared at the doorway, his pale face calm but alert. The twins, ever silent until needed, flanked him, their crimson eyes narrowed. Even they were aware of the celestial presence.
Celestia's head spun. "Why… why now?"
Lucien's lips tightened. "Heaven doesn't act without cause. And your existence is a cause they cannot ignore. You are their most dangerous unknown."
Suddenly, a low hum vibrated through the mansion. The chandeliers trembled. The silver flames in the fireplace flickered violently, then went black. The air thickened with a crushing weight, making it hard for her to breathe.
From the garden, a blinding light began to grow. The glow pierced the windows, washing over the marble floors, reflecting off mirrors, filling the halls with an unearthly brilliance. Celestia squinted, shielding her eyes.
Lucien's eyes flared, black flames igniting in his gaze. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his voice carrying a gravity that made her hesitate only for a moment before obeying.
The light expanded into a figure — taller than any human, wings unfurled in blinding white, flowing robes shimmering with the power of countless stars. Celestia gasped, recognizing the celestial energy from her dreams.
"I have come for the Pureblood," the figure announced, voice like crystal and steel combined. Every word echoed in the room, vibrating through walls, floor, and ceiling. "Heaven demands she be claimed before Hell corrupts her fully."
Celestia's chest burned. Her mark flared like a miniature sun beneath her skin.
Lucien moved in front of her fully, dark energy rolling off him in waves that clashed with the celestial presence. "You will not touch her," he said coldly, stepping forward. Every step made the floor beneath him pulse with power.
The angel — for there was no denying it now — tilted its head slightly, a serene smile crossing a perfectly carved face. "And who are you to oppose Heaven?"
Lucien's voice was deadly calm. "I am her protector. I am her choice. And I am the Prince of Hell."
The celestial's wings shimmered with an almost painful light. "Then you understand nothing of balance."
Adrian and the twins silently moved to flank Lucien, their eyes scanning for threats, ready to act. Celestia's heart pounded. She could feel power colliding around her — Heaven's brilliance against Hell's darkness. The room felt alive. The mansion groaned as if sensing the battle brewing.
"Celestia," Lucien said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Do not be afraid. This is the moment you step into what you were born for. Your blood is power, yes… but it is also choice. Do you understand?"
She swallowed hard, tears prickling her eyes. "I… I don't know if I can—"
"You can," he interrupted, firm but gentle. "You are stronger than either realm knows. And I will not let them harm you."
The celestial's gaze bore into hers. "I will return," it said, voice echoing like distant thunder. "You cannot hide from Heaven forever."
And then it was gone. The light vanished, leaving the garden dark, the stars normal, the air trembling but still.
The room fell silent again.
Celestia exhaled shakily. "They… they are coming."
Lucien stepped close, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder. "Yes. And we will be ready. Together."
Her mark pulsed faintly, a reminder of the power she carried and the war she had inherited. The mansion seemed to hum beneath her feet, alive with anticipation.
For the first time, she realized the full magnitude of her life:
Not just hunted by witches.
Not just under the gaze of Hell.
Now, Heaven itself had noticed Celestia.
And they were coming for her.