Clara's POV
I kept sobbing in his arms for a while, then slowly pulled back.
"I'm sorry," I whispered hoarsely, my voice barely holding together. "I… I don't know what came over me."
"It's alright, my love," he murmured, stroking my hair gently. "You can cry as much as you want. I'll always be here to comfort you, alright?"
His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and a gentle heat spread through my chest.
"Don't worry, my love," he said, lifting my gaze to meet his silver eyes. "I'll make sure you never go back to that place again. This time, I promise… no one will take you away from me."
Then he kissed me. Slowly. Softly. At first, it was gentle, exploratory, like he was memorizing the taste and warmth of me. I felt the brush of his lips against mine, tender but full of longing, and my hands instinctively reached for him, tracing the line of his jaw and the strong slope of his shoulders.
The kiss deepened, slow and lingering. His arms tightened around me, holding me firmly yet carefully, as if letting go even for a moment might shatter both of us. I felt the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest, and it anchored me, grounding me in a world that had been nothing but chaos and fear.
His scent — faint, warm, and comforting — filled my senses, making the knot in my chest unravel. Every lingering touch, every careful press of his lips, whispered safety, love, and promise. I could feel him smiling against me, even without seeing it, and the warmth in his embrace wrapped around me like sunlight cutting through a long, cold night.
When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine, breathing softly. "I promise, my love. I'll keep you safe."
"You should rest now," he said, lowering me gently onto the bed. "I'll send a maid to bring you breakfast."
"Where are you going?" I asked, curiosity tugging at me.
"I have some business to attend to," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "But don't worry… I'll be right back. A guard is stationed at the door to keep you safe, my love."
I nodded softly, and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "See you later, my love." Then he walked out, his presence lingering in the room like a warm echo.
I lay back on the bed, feeling an unfamiliar warmth and safety wash over me. After so long, I had never imagined I could feel like this in this place—this castle that once felt like a prison.
My mind drifted back to the first time I had been brought here: how broken and terrified I felt, how desperately I had wanted to go home.
But now… now, I wondered if that life even existed. If my family, Julie, that world… had ever been real. The memories were distant, blurred, and the cave… no, I couldn't think about that place. I shut my eyes tightly, letting the peace and quiet of the dark cradle me. Thinking of the past would only steal the warmth I felt now. Rest… rest is what I needed.
Ciel's POV
I walked down the hall and straight into the prison room.
I opened the door and froze. There she was—Lila. Chained, bloodied. It hurt to see her like this, but… this is the price for her betrayal.
I walked closer, and she looked up. Her face was hopeless and battered.
"Your Majesty… please… please forgive me… it was a mistake," she whispered weakly, barely audible.
"Lila, it's about time you spoke the truth," I said, glaring down at her.
She looked at me with hopeless eyes.
"I promise I won't kill you if you tell me the truth, Lila," I continued. "You know I always keep my promises."
Her trembling face met mine. "Alright… alright. I'll tell you… but you promise not to kill me, Your Majesty."
"Yes, I promise," I reassured her.
She took a shaky breath. "Okay… Your Majesty… I came into the palace to act as a spy."
"A spy?" I asked sharply.
"For… who?" She paused, uncertainty written all over her face.
"Lila, tell me. I promise I will do you no harm," I said again.
Finally, she whispered, "Alright… I work as a spy for Lucien."
Lucien's POV
Asriel—the Archangel. One of the most powerful in Heaven. He really stood before me now.
I gaped at him in disbelief.
"Get that stupid look off your face, Lucien," he said with a grin. "Now that you believe me, we have a lot of work to do."
"We?" I asked, confused.
"Yes, we," he said, eyes gleaming. "I know all your goals, Lucien. I know you want to return to Heaven using Clara. I know you made a deal with my foolish brother, Ael. But now… that's all over. Now, you're going to work for me."
"For you? Why should I work for you? I know you're the Archangel, but why should I trust you? Someone like you can't give me redemption back into Heaven," I said, suspicion sharp in my voice.
"You're right," he said with a sly smile. "I'm not going to help you get back into Heaven. Instead… I can help you rule it."
"Rule it? Are you crazy? What are you talking about?" I asked, confused and wary.
"I know how to use Clara… to kill Ciel and steal his power. I know how to use her to conquer Heaven," he said, and I froze in shock.
"Kill the Demon King… conquer Heaven?" I whispered, disbelief choking me.
"No, that's impossible," I said, my heart pounding.
"No, it isn't. Lucien, I've been by Ciel's side as his loyal aide for years. I know exactly what to do. With you by my side… everything is going to succeed. So… what do you say? Make a deal with me. Let's conquer Heaven together," he said, his eyes glinting with power.