Page 169 of Princess of Bael

“Have you heard anything from the Archangels about Zerak or Raziel?” I asked. “Or anything about Prince Morax?”

He shook his head. “Ashmedai has just said Morax is otherwise indisposed, which I translate to mean he’s currently in too much pain to speak. And justice in Heaven will take longer than a few Hell months.”

Right. Because of time.

From what Jinx had mentioned, several of the Nephilim had been brought up to Heaven for healing. Those who had been unharmed had returned to their respective homes.

But now I wondered if any of the Nephilim would have to testify in a trial—assuming angels even had a court for such things. I actually wasn’t sure of their process for this, as it was rather unprecedented. However, if everyone had to report on the events from Earth, then the trial would likely take several Hell decades.

At least I would be invited to participate. In theory, anyway.

Then I would find Ezra and have a word.

The rest of dinner with my father and Johanna passed by in a similar manner of flat conversation, ending with my father running a series of tests regarding my new powers. Johanna helped, her previous connection to the Divinity making her a powerful ally in learning these new talents.

However, her skills had definitely changed, her control over the veil magic no longer existent. Her new powers were similar to my father’s in nature. While neither of them had admitted anything out loud, I knew they’d mated each other.

Which I assumed had played into her changing abilities. Just as Ezra had influenced my shift toward Divinity magic.

I just wasn’t sure if their mating was the primary cause of her shift or if my ascension had been the reason for it. Perhaps a mixture of both.

I still maintained all my former gifts, though. They were actually stronger now. And I possessed this new sense of the balance, an ability within my soul that kept me attuned to potential shifts in power throughout the realms.

I’d used it a few times to check in on Heaven, noting the calmness and tranquility of the angels above.

That told me Zerak and Raziel were still alive.

Though, I didn’t expect Ezra to kill them. He would seek justice in a different way.

Unlike Prince Ashmedai—he would absolutely kill Prince Morax at some point. Just after thousands of years of torment first.

Although, I still didn’t fully understand Prince Morax’s involvement. It felt unexplained. Yes, he was Kristina’s father. So that made him capable of absorbing some of her power, orhelpingto absorb and redistribute it, as Zerak had stated.

I just didn’t understand what it all meant or what motive he’d possessed to do it.

Insanity was certainly an option, and the reason my father had surmised. He’d also said that Morax had called the shadows to the realm. Again, another speculation.

But something wasn’t adding up.

Everything felt balanced for the moment. However, I sensed trouble coming. A ripple waiting for us on the horizon. An eventual fall of the veil.

We would have to find a new way to survive.

What I’d done to restore the scales was just temporary.

I could feel the truth of that down to my soul. It wouldn’t happen tomorrow or even next year. It’d be a while. But it was coming.

Because it was inevitable.

I sighed as I made my way back to my room, my mind running over all the scenarios along the way. It wasn’t something I would find the answer to tonight, nor was it something I needed to answer anytime soon.

However, one day I would understand.

I just hoped that day wouldn’t be too late.

My heels clicked against the stone floor as I walked, the guards nearby all averting their gazes in reverence. Typical.

But there was a hum of magic in the air that had my senses piquing.