Angel of darkness : celestial seraphyne

The Morning After

As the celebration ended, the great golden hall of the Seraphyne house fell silent. The servants retired to their quarters, and the celestial music faded into the stillness of night.

Everyone went to sleep—except Celestial.

Lying in bed, she gazed up at the soft, twinkling glowstones embedded in the ceiling. Her raven-black hair fanned out across the pillow like spilled ink, and her ocean-blue eyes shimmered with thought.

> In my past life… I had white and gold wings. I ruled over divine domains.

In this life… I'm a child again. But maybe that's a good thing.

Maybe… I'm lucky.

And with that thought, her long lashes fluttered shut.

She fell asleep under the gentle hum of aether in the air.

---

Scene-The Next Morning — Dining Table

The sun beamed in through massive stained-glass windows. At the long dining table, Celestial sat with a sleepy yawn, barely holding up a buttered roll.

Her father smiled at her warmly over a steaming cup of divine ambrosia.

Dad: "Celestial, today I'll start training you to use Aether. It might take a while, but I believe in you."

Mom: "And I'll teach you how to fly! With real grace this time, not flopping like a wounded chicken."

Celestial blinked. "That was one time, Mom…"

Big Brother austin: "It was majestic. Like a majestic dying pigeon."

Celestial gave him the look™️.

Still, she returned their smiles with a soft, warm one of her own.

> This… this is nice.

---

Scene-Training Grounds

The sky was clear as crystal, and the air thrummed with sacred energy.

Dad: "Spread your wings, Celestial. Let the light of Heaven feed your soul."

She obeyed, unfolding her small but sturdy wings, silver with traces of midnight. She stood tall under the sun, letting it bathe her in golden light.

Once…

Ten times…

A hundred times…

Still nothing. No glow. No spark. Not even a puff of holy glitter.

But she didn't pout. She didn't cry.

Instead, Celestial simply inhaled and tried again.

Her mother clapped supportively. Her big brother brought snacks. Even the pet phoenix chirped an encouraging tune.

Day after day, she stood beneath the sun, absorbing nothing.

Until—

Three months later, a faint shimmer surrounded her wings. Her breath caught.

It was tiny. Weak. But unmistakably Aether.

Celestial: "I did it…"

---

✧ One Month Later — Mountain Training ✧

With Aether absorption now natural, her mother took her on a trip to the Cloudrest Mountains. Big sister Evelyn tagged along—mostly to braid Celestial's hair, but also to gossip about every single angelic noble known to heaven.

Mom: "You can't just flap and hope, Celestial. You have to feel the Aether. Let it flow through your wings."

Celestial (determined): "Yes, Mom!"

The wind howled around them, but Celestial's heart was calm.

She would fly. She would rise.

And she would never fall again..

She flew like her damn life depended on it