Chapter 126: The Lie That Shook the Stars
The atmosphere was suffocating.
Gabriel stood frozen, his thoughts unraveling one by one. Sir Luka—gone without a trace. His brother injured. And Zaria, an Angel no longer. He couldn't even sense her divine presence. Her wings... were gone. Everything felt wrong.
"Brother," Gabriel said, stepping forward, his voice low but heavy with tension. "What the hell happened?"
Daemon opened his mouth to speak, preparing the story he'd crafted—until Zaria suddenly cut in.
"Don't blame Daemon! He didn't do anything," she shouted, eyes wide.
Gabriel blinked. "Blame Daemon? What are you talking about?"
Daemon stiffened. His eyes flicked toward Zaria as she gave a quick, awkward wink. He nearly groaned aloud. She really doesn't know how to lie. Still, she was trying. And now, it was his turn to take over.
He dropped his gaze, letting his voice soften with just the right amount of weariness.
"Sir Luka tried to kill me," Daemon began, voice low. "He said Lilac sent him. Claimed I shouldn't be allowed to live because of the baptism... because I'm the reincarnation of the Demon King."
"What?!" Gabriel's eyes widened, fury and disbelief crashing over him.
"He said I was a curse," Daemon continued. "That my death would mean peace. I tried to reason with him, told him the Empire wouldn't stand for such treason. But he didn't care. Said I was a threat... so we fought. I barely managed to defend myself. And then Zaria... she stepped in. She saved me."
Gabriel's breath caught. He looked at Zaria. "Then... what happened to you? Where are your wings?"