Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

Running my hands through her hair, Tia leaned into my palm as we discussed our son and all that happened after she ascended. And it was actually surprising how much she calmed down. Tiamat was wild. And seeing her sacrifice so much placed a lot in perspective on how much she cared about her son and me.

"Arsene?" A sudden call reached me as I turned to see Tene peeking her head in like a little cat. She blinked, noticing Tiamat, and continued. "You busy?"

"Yes, but I'm sure you know that. What is it?" I asked, sensing something strange coming from Tene.

"We've got a messenger from the Seven Heavens." She politely said, but her gaze never left Tia, who smiled hungrily.

"What do you call this one?" Tia asked as tension clashed so hard I could just about cut through it with a mortal blade.

"Her name is Tenebrae," Tene replied, pushing herself into the wide open. "His wife."

Tia, however, did not seem impressed and showed it with a contentious smile. She leaned up, and every instant in me told me to speak out first.

If there was one thing I learned from Tiamat was how to piss someone off. She was a master: in fact. She was the grandmaster, especially towards women.

"Whose the messenger?" I hurriedly asked.

"Gabriel." She said, and my heart stopped for a second.

"You're kidding, right?"

"I wish I was."

Sucking in a cold breath, a regal attire materialized as a dark crown anointed me. I pushed out of the door towards my throne. Tenebrae followed.

"I don't like her."

"Who?"

"Tiamat," Tenebrae said. "I don't like her at all."

"I swear! You, woman, don't like anyone," I wanted to say, but I kept my mouth shut and allowed her to vent. I know better… At least, I hope. " She's rude and stupid looking."

"..."

"She smells too… like poo."

"Ok-Ok," I said through laughter. " Tia is… a unique flavor. Like Lilith and like you. Why don't we talk about this later? Gabriel… what's he doing here?"

Tenebrae pursed her lips, "No idea; he just showed up."

Mincing at the unknown, I entered the throne room, catching sight of a handsome young man with curly white hair that seemed to compliment his tan skin: He had a somewhat silly expression at seemed almost mischievous, yet it was very inviting.

"ARSENE!!!!!!!!!" Gabriel cheered, springing his arms wide open. " BROOOOO!!!!! How ya been!"

"..."

I swear all these angels and fallen are something. Nothing like what I expected. Maybe one day I'll meet a seriously stoic person.

"What, no hugs?' Gabriel said. "That's weak shit. Come on, hug me, brother!"

Accepting the forced hug, Gabriel slapped my back. " Glad to see you locked aunty Tene down. She needed it."

"Did she now?" Tene said in an accusing voice that dripped with contempt. "Quite the mouth on you, young one."

'You know it!" Gabriel addressed with a bright, cheerful smile. " You look happy. And I'm glad to see that."

Losing any drive, I had to sit on my throne to at least show some dominance. I fell somewhat prey to the innocence of this angel before me. I lowkey hate happy people, but something about this man seemed pure.

No wonder he is friends with Mephisto.

"Now… important question." He suddenly said, "did you two…." He clapped his hands twice with an accusing stare. "You know. "

"What?" Tenebrae asked, turning to me.

"You know… did he uproot them webs? Did he plant the flag? Did he send you to Heaven and back to Hell? Was he a one-pump chump? Or a two-gallon star!"

…. I love this man!

At this point, I was just staring at Tenebrae as the gears in her head began to connect. Her face turned to that of a cheery, and her eyes wet, as she vanished into a puff of black mist.

"Got her ass!" Gabriel sang," My LORD!!!! You have no idea how hard it is to get under Tenebrae's skin! She is like an icy maiden! I've been trying to get her for the longest!"

"Glad to see you torturing my second wife." I mused, narrowing my eyes.

"She was my aunt first." He replied before growing a tad bit serious. "You know why I'm here?"

"To kill me?"

"Who has time for that? I'm a pacifist. I don't kill people unless I'm forced to." He added, shaking his head. " I'm here to deliver you an invite. You and Lilith. I also need to head to the Nine to deliver Buer an invitation. To a conference between the twelve Lords in this Heaven."

"No need." I swiftly said before he got ahead of himself. "I am the representative of the Hells. The Lord of Irkalla, within all Heavens."

"LA~LA~LA~LA~LA, I didn't hear that! Don't tell me about yall bullshit. I don't wanna know! Keep me out of it." The man-child sang, covering his ears. "I got a list, and I'm going through it. Whoever shows up is not my problem. Here you go."

Handing me a snow-white letter written in Enochian, Gabriel's rich smile brightened a bit as he scanned me up and down. " Take care of my aunt! She's a big softy. You should have seen how well she cared for crybaby Mepho!"

Taking hold of the letter, I couldn't help but stare at him. "You are not on Heaven's side, are you?"

"I'm on Father's side. But I do have a warning for you." He told me, and my eyes narrowed as a domain of Seraphic Might filled the air, blocking out any of those that dared to listen in.

"Metatron, my Elder brother, will be coming after you. He loathes Mephisto, and with your evil character, it's in his right to exterminate you. You and—"

"Everyone I love. I know." I calmly replied as the five assimilating souls in my hive mind began to unfold some particular truths: One of a masked Angel with wings of flaming white.

Gabriel nodded. " I don't agree with some of his tactics, and I will assist you when I can but don't always count on me. But if you ever need a drink or a chill spot, hang with me. Zariel and I hang out at least once a month. Come join when you can."

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