The present dissolved into the past as Selene's mind reeled from the choice before her. Memories, sharp as broken glass, cut through her thoughts, dragging her back to the moment everything changed.
She had been reckless. Too trusting.
Asrael's capture had been swift and brutal. The betrayal had come from within—one of their own had whispered his location to Heaven's forces. They descended upon them like divine judgment, leaving no room for escape.
She remembered the desperate battle. Asrael's power had burned through the air, celestial light clashing against golden spears. But he had been outnumbered. Raphael himself had led the charge, striking with precision and unwavering conviction.
Selene had fought, too. She had screamed his name as chains of divine energy bound him, dragging him to his knees. His silver eyes had locked onto hers, filled with an unspoken plea. She had tried to reach him, but Raphael had stood in her way.
"You cannot save him," he had said, his tone edged with finality. "Surrender, and this ends now."
But surrender had never been an option.
\Then Dagon appeared.
From the shadows, the demon prince had been observing, his grin showing enjoyment instead of worry. He had come forward to give her an escape route when the fight had turned against her .
With his voice slithering around her like a promise, he had said, "Run, little seraph. "live to fight about time". another day."
And she had. She had left Asrael behind. The guilt still clawed at her.
Now, standing between Raphael and Dagon once more, the past was alive again. Choices, old and new, weighed upon her.
She clenched her fists. This time, she would not run.