CHAPTER TWENTY: CALL TO ORDER

The Diamond City of Angels, also known as Elysium, shone like a beacon of radiance in the realm of the heavens. This magnificent metropolis was crafted from the finest divine materials, its foundations built upon a bedrock of pure crystal. The city's architecture was a marvel, with towers and spires that pierced the sky like shards of glass, their facets glinting with a light that seemed almost otherworldly.

The streets of Elysium were paved with a substance known as "starstone," a glittering material that seemed to contain the essence of stardust within its matrix. The city's buildings were adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes that told the stories of angelic history and the exploits of the divine.

At the heart of the city lay the Great Temple of the Divine, a structure of unparalleled beauty that seemed to embody the very essence of heaven itself. Its entrance was guarded by towering statues of cherubim, their wings outstretched as if in perpetual praise.

Elysium was a place of wonders, where the air was sweet with the scent of ambrosia and the sound of celestial music filled the air. It was a city of joy, wisdom, and beauty, where the angels dwelled in harmony and the very fabric of reality seemed to vibrate with divine energy.

The city council chamber in the Diamond City of Angels was a grand, high-ceilinged room filled with polished marble and gold accents. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes depicting the history of the angelic race, and the floor was made of a glittering white stone that seemed to shine like diamonds.

Around a large, circular table, the council of angels gathered, their wings folded against their backs as they leaned in, their faces animated in heated discussion. Jaquiel, an angel , stood at the head of the table, his voice raised as he addressed the assembly.

"Azrael has gone rogue," Jaquiel announced, his words dropping like a bombshell in the council chamber.

"What?" someone exclaimed, disbelief etched in their voice.

"Impossible!" another angel cried out, their tone laced with shock and dismay.

Gasps and whispers echoed through the assembly of warriors, guardians, and Seraphim, as murmurs of discontent and unease spread like wildfire.

"We cannot ignore the fact that Azrael has gone rogue!" he exclaimed, his eyes flashing with urgency. "She poses a threat to the very fabric of our society!"

To his right, the angel Ariana shook her head, her long, golden hair cascading down her back like a river of sunlight. "We must not jump to conclusions," she cautioned. "We need more information before we take any action."

Across from her, the angel Kael scowled, his dark brows furrowed in anger. "Information?" he snarled. "We have all the information we need. Azrael has betrayed us, and she must be brought to justice!"

The room erupted into a chorus of argument and debate, with angels shouting over one another and gesturing emphatically. The air was electric with tension, and the very walls of the chamber seemed to vibrate with the intensity of the discussion.

As the meeting wore on, the atmosphere grew more heated, with angels dividing into factions and passions running high. It seemed as though the very fate of the Diamond City of Angels hung in the balance, and the council's decision would determine the course of history.

"Silence!" Metatron thundered, his voice commanding attention from the entire council. The room fell still, with all eyes fixed on the imposing figure of the Angel of War.

Metatron stood tall, his eight-foot-two frame exuding power and authority. His dark skin was adorned with intricate tattoos, and his molten silver eyes seemed to bore into the souls of those around him. Though he was one of the lesser Archangels, a member of the guild beneath the great seven, he was equally powerful and commanded respect.

"Explain yourself, Jaquiel," Metatron demanded, his gaze fixed intently on the Asian Angel. "What do you mean by 'Azrael has gone rogue'?"

Jaquiel, the seraph in charge of the View, a celestial surveillance system monitoring all activities on Earth, returned Metatron's stare with unwavering confidence. "I've seen it with my own eyes, Metatron. Gabriel is aware of this too. The View doesn't lie."

Metatron's expression remained skeptical, despite knowing that the View's accuracy was virtually infallible. His instincts, however, whispered doubts. "How certain are you, Jaquiel?" he pressed, his voice firm but measured.

"He speaks the truth, Metatron," Gabriel interjected, strolling into the chamber with an air of nonchalance. He settled into his throne, snacking on grapes imported from Roshun, a heavenly realm created by Italian souls who sought a paradise reminiscent of their homeland. Gabriel owned a mansion there, where he spent most of his free time.

Jaquiel continued, "Azrael has been in contact with Lucifer, kidnapped the President of America, and reaped the souls of five hundred humans who were not yet destined to die, sending them to Hell."

Seraquiel raised an eyebrow, her blue eyes skeptical. "What proof do you have, aside from Gabriel's testimony? We know he's prone to exaggeration."

Jaquiel smiled, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "I can show you the footage." With a circular motion of his hands, he summoned a gentle wind that carried a mist into the chamber. As the mist cleared, a holographic projection appeared before them, depicting a woman in black, wielding a scythe and ending a human life. The council gasped in unison, fear and unease spreading through the room. If the Angel of Death had indeed gone rogue, no one was safe, and another war loomed on the horizon - one they might not win.

—_—

Uriel's eyes blazed with fury, steam literally visible as it escaped her ears. "Last chance, kid. Where is my sister?" she growled, her voice low and menacing.

Caleb Young struggled in her grasp, his eyes wide with fear. "I-I don't know who you're talking about, I swear!" he stammered, trying to wriggle free.

Uriel's grip only tightened, her hold on Caleb's throat like a vice. "One last chance, little raven," she hissed, her dagger - a gift from Castiel himself thousands of years ago - pressed against Caleb's neck. "Where is Castiel?" she demanded, her teeth clenched in frustration.

Caleb's eyes bulged as he fought for air, his face turning red. He'd rather die than betray his mistress's trust, even if he didn't know her exact location. But Uriel's grip was unyielding, and he knew he had to speak to survive. "Fine...I'll talk...I swear," he choked out, his voice barely audible.

Uriel eased her grip slightly, her eyes still blazing with intensity. "Start talking, Raven," she commanded.

Caleb's words tumbled out in a rush, his voice laced with fear. "Castiel Wellington, the trillionaire...she's probably in her office...or...or...I don't know, lady!" He shuddered, goosebumps covering his skin like a rash, his body reacting to the terror of potentially betraying Castiel's trust.

Uriel got what she needed from the Raven and discarded him, flashing a smile that belied her fierce expression. Caleb, realizing he was free, sprinted away, not stopping until he was sure he had outrun Uriel's reach. Then, with a swift shift, he transformed into a Raven and took to the night sky, wings beating rapidly as he vanished into the darkness.

—_—

Castiel's anger simmered, her patience wearing thin. Rafael had yet to return, and four days had passed. She had explicitly instructed him to keep her in the dark about the whereabouts of Carolyn, Brad Harrington, Emily, and Maurie Rodriguez. It was for their own good, especially given the dangerous path she had recently embarked upon.

As she stood at the edge of her campsite on Aconcagua mountain, a strange, unpleasant sensation settled over her, like a cold mist rising from the ground. The fog swirled upward, drawing her attention. Castiel's eyes narrowed as she approached the phenomenon.

Suddenly, a Raven swooped down, landing gracefully at her feet. The bird transformed into a seventeen-year-old boy with brown hair and green eyes - Caleb Gilbert Young. Castiel's frown deepened, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What do you want, Caleb?" she demanded, certain she hadn't summoned him or any other Raven."

Umm..., I'm sorry master, but you've got to do something," Caleb stammered, his eyes wide with fear. "Someone's been threatening us Ravens, saying they'll harm us if we don't reveal your location."

Castiel's expression darkened, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Who the hell would threaten you?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.

Before Caleb could respond, a voice interrupted, startling both of them. "Hello, sister." The voice was familiar, yet laced with a hint of malice. Castiel's eyes narrowed, her head whipping towards the speaker only to see someone familiar.

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