A New Man

When Samiel had just finished the plucking of the damaged wings, Govad returned to the suite. He did not shout this time, but both demi-angels felt his presence before he even stepped into the living room. Moreover, he was followed by a few people.

"Focus your energy on the muscles and tissues below your wings. New feathers should grow immediately." He paused with a humorous look in his eyes. "If it is too painful, you can wait for a few hours for the process to occur naturally."

Abaddon wanted to toss something at Samiel. "I know what to do. Just leave."

Rex watched Samiel walk with slightly hurried steps. He could guess that he was going to help Govad with whatever he was doing.

Samiel had not kept it a secret from him that he had deep feelings for Govad. It was the reason he had run off from Farallon and settled down in the noisy mansion in Phoenix City.

Samiel was not a person who liked entertainment and parties. He was more comfortable in a quiet place where he could study or practice medicine.

However, he was willing to remain in the eye of the party storm just for a few glimpses of the red-winged demi-angel who floated around like a butterfly, being the belle of the ball.

Unfortunately, Govad did not have that kind of interest in Samiel.

Samiel knew, and Rex knew. Govad had made it clear in his usual careless manner that he did not like him. However, he was also not a person who thought too deeply about things, so he did not mind when Samiel decided to stay in his mansion.

He was not the first demi-angel to set up camp in his home and was unlikely to be the last. His house was like an ever open guesthouse where his friends could live, no questions asked.

Rex had asked Samiel if he was alright with staying in the mansion, even knowing that Govad would probably not change his mind.

He had said that it would not hurt to spend a few decades with someone he liked. They had long lives. It was good if they could find small moments of joy to break the boredom and ward off the ennui.

Still, Abaddon felt a little sorry for his friend. He always had an inkling that Govad had someone else in his mind and heart.

Despite his social butterfly nature, he did not have relationships, and it was not for lack of pursuers. Both men and women came to the mansion to court him, but he turned a blind eye, always treating them as friends.

His hedonistic reputation was often a result of the wild imagination and exaggeration of the activities in the palace.

The reality was that this colourful palace was a haven for a lot of powerful people in Panthalassa who wanted a break from their restrictive lives.

Abaddon shook off those thoughts and focussed on re-growing his wings. Within a quarter an hour of excruciating pain, his wings looked better than before. The new feathers were glossy and had more vibrant gold tips.

He smiled with satisfaction as he admired his wings before concealing them.

When he returned to Farallon City, he would visit Aisling to show her that he was in perfect condition.

Within moments, Abaddon had forgotten the possible reason he had been injured. He was ready for more Aisling, even if she was related to his injury.

He walked to the living room feeling like a new man.

Govad had dismissed the attendants, so only he and Samiel remained. Before them, was a lavish table of wine in decanters, goblets and a selection of fresh fruits.

The younger demi-angel had spread his wings carelessly while Samiel had also revealed his purplish-grey pair. The strange scene made Abaddon's lips twitch. He felt like he had walked into one of those human nudist camps.

While wings were often exposed in flight and during fights, it was unusual for most demi-angels to flare them so casually. This type of exposure was done in the privacy of one's home.

But again, he was a relic with entrenched practices in his bones.

Perhaps, he held this mentality because of the fallen angels. He had been there when the angels were in power, and they often used their wings to intimidate and inspire worship from the humans.

So, he had an aversion to revealing his wings even as the King.

"Come on, Rex. Show us those babies." Govad goaded him as soon as he entered.

It was obvious that he was well into his cups. His phoenix eyes were watery, and his lips looked more ruddy and beautiful.

The statement made Abaddon feel like he was being asked to join a strange cult. This was the peer pressure that he had heard some of the people in Obsidian Tower talk about when discussing their children.

"It is oddly freeing." Samiel had amusement as he picked a goblet of wine. His eyes teased Abaddon as if daring him.

Abaddon hesitated for a moment before releasing his beautiful wings.

"Gorgeous, marvellous!" Govad shouted before waving a hand. The petals of the flowers in the room rose in the air and surrounded Abaddon, fluttering gently.

The scene looked like something from a manga, and it was precisely the reason Govad had done it. Like other demi-angels, he also operated various businesses involving entertainment. He had gained an interest in manga while he was in Izanagi.

Abaddon felt slight embarrassment, but he ignored the teasing child and sat down. Govad quickly poured him a glass of wine with a smile.

"Tonight, let us toast to the King's health and an eternal rulership." Govad lifted his goblet.

Samiel lifted his, and Rex had no choice but to do the same.

"Long live the King!" Govad shouted.

"Long live the King," Samiel repeated while glancing meaningfully again at Abaddon.

Rex laughed. "Long live me!"

With that, the small party with three demi-angels began.

It was unfortunate that they could not see the tragedy that loomed on the horizon. As they drank and reminisced, they did not know that one of their long lives would be cut short.