"Your son lives, your highness." A soot covered angel soldier said.

"Thank the Light." breathed King Elan Chiara. Then wondered to himself, how had that little bastard survived?

A newborn angel was a helpless as a human, the brat should be dead. He'd underestimated Solara again. He had locked his wife, Solara, in the sun tower for a few years, hoping she'd submit to him. Technically Solara was his ex-wife, she'd ended their marriage after the trial period. Elan couldn't understand why she'd want to leave someone as perfect as him.

He'd managed to trap her before anyone found out.

Being cut off from direct sunlight should have weakened her. Instead, he'd found her fast asleep with a newborn when he went to check on her. He'd decimated the tower with fireballs killing them both. Or so he thought, but the cherub had survived.

And then that idiot angel flew in to investigate the explosion before he could finish the brat off.

No matter, he would just kill them both and blame the dragons. He raised his hand and aura levels to send an energy bolt towards them and barely stopped himself in time. More angels were flying in, it was too late. 

Kian Azura

Kian was not fond of children. Angel children were particularly dangerous. Cherubs first manifestation of powers normally occurred between two and four years old. The most common power was the ability to generate an aura shield for defense. A gifted few could fly and in the worst-case scenario some could generate fire balls.

But this child, this infant was well, cute. As soon as he picked him up the baby stopped wailing and stared at him. The baby's eyes flickered between a berry red and pale blue. He seemed to completely take after his mother with dark brown skin and soft curly pink hair.

"There, there," Kian found himself trying to console the child. His mother was already gone from this world. Solara was one of the most powerful angels, who or what could have possibly killed her? Azura scanned the debris. From the heat it could have been a dragon attack. But there hadn't been a dragon sighting in 50 years or more. He didn't sense any demonic energy. The only other being that could have caused such damage would be an angel. But who would dare?

Kian felt another angel approaching fast. It was King Elan Chiara, the child's father. Kian didn't know what to say. Maybe if he'd been faster, he could have saved the mother as well. Kian scoffed to himself. Solara was far more powerful than him. He would have been useless as usual. But at least...

"Your son lives, your highness." Kian told King Chiara. The king did not look pleased. Elan had tan skin and silver hair. His eyes were also silver, which was typical of angels of the Chiara clan. Elan's normally handsome features twisted into a scowl. He was seething...

Kian's aura shield surrounded him and the child instinctively. Kian tried to convince himself that he was misreading the situation. The king was upset about the death of his wife. That malignant energy was not directed at them. The fear coming from the baby could not be due to his father's presence.

The king was powering up, it was time to flee. Kian didn't know what was wrong with Elan, but he would protect the child at all costs. Kian felt other angels approaching and he glanced back at Elan. The king had returned to normal. Kian did not want to believe that Elan had just tried to kill them. Perhaps he'd been mistaken.

"Sometimes you may have to lie to others, but never lie to yourself, son." His mother once told him. Kian didn't know why Elan had just tried to murder them, but he would be on guard now.

"What happened here?" Aelius demanded loudly. He did everything loudly, though. Fortunately, he was as fast as he was loud. Kian shoved the child into his brother's arm. The idiot was immediately charmed by the baby. Aelius adored children.

"There was an attack, the child needs medical attention right away" Kian said. His brother flew off instantly. The child was safe for now. Kian turned back to Elan, praying his voice didn't shake

"I did as you requested, your highness," Kian said. "Your son will be safe while you pursue the demon or demons."

A collective gasp came from the angels gathered behind them. A higher level demon had not been seen in centuries. Only the most powerful demons could transport their bodies from the dark realm. But few demons did due to the fact the direct sunlight or angel fire would kill them immediately.

"You think a demon did this?" Elan asked.

"Of course, only a vile cowardly demon would attack a mother with her newborn." Kian told him. Elan's eyes flickered from silver to violet for a moment. He never liked the Azura clan. They were too prosperous. His lands were dying, but the blue bastards always had an abundance of crops. They were also swiftly outpacing all other kingdoms in every field from arts to science.

Worst of all, they were a bunch of human lovers. The Blue Sun angels even went as far as to marry and reproduce with humans. They treated humans as equal to angels. At least Kian was a true angel, too bad he would have to kill him now.

Gotcha! Kian thought for a moment, then panicked. How could he protect the child? Who would believe him?

Elan placed his hand on Kian's shoulder squeezing a little too hard.

"Thank you, second prince Kian Azura, I will make sure to repay for this." Elan said while smiling at him.

Three years later

Kian couldn't tell anything was wrong before his trip to the Red Sun Kingdom. Even when the incident occurred, he felt nothing. He left little Solar in the Blue Sun Royal Nursery with his niece, Ruri. Kian was an uncle to 23 children. Kian decided his brother Aelius was insane years ago. Twenty-four including Solar since he was for all extensive purposes an Azura now

Kian had managed to keep Elan away from Solar for medical reasons at first. Solar was always away when angel council members came to look for the child. He also made sure Elan’s petitions got lost. Legally Elan could not enter the Blue Sun Kingdom without invitation, even if his child was there.

Eventually, Elan would be able to see Solar, but Kian was prepared to vanish with Solar if he had to. They might actually end up living in the R.S.K the angel royal family pretty much ignored the happenings in their kingdom as long as taxes were paid. The two kingdoms were not friendly with each other so it would be the last place anyone would look for them.

The R.S.K’s royal family was housed in a citadel carved at the top of the kingdom's highest mountain. It was surrounded by an unnatural mist, that was impossible for anyone other than the royal family and a few select guards to navigate through. The R.S.K. was a smaller kingdom known for its superior military force. Which their king had been bragging about for hours. Kian's polite smile hadn't faltered once, which was why he attended all of these conferences instead of his brother. The king's boasting was interrupted by multiple flashing sun mirrors. The ones with bells began to clang.

"Second Prince Kian Azura! Return to the palace at once." It was pre-recorded emergency message from his brother.

***

"This is all your fault!" Elan yelled as Kian landed. Flying that far that quickly had drained him. Kian looked around the nursery while trying to catch his breath. So much blood. He had failed to protect Solar after all. He never should have left.

"Ki?" A small voice called out. Solar was sitting in the middle of the room surrounded by a powerful aura shield. He was okay but what about Ruri? She was there as well, being held by her mother, and her father was holding them both.

Kian was relieved, his brother truly loved all his children. If the little girl had died, it would have devastated him. Kian didn't mind taking on more royal duties, so Aelius could spend more time with his offspring.

"A three-year-old, should not be able to make a shield like that. I can't get near him." Elan said. Kian hadn't been able to create a shield that strong until he was a teenager, and he was advanced for his age. He had been trying to coax Solar into using his powers with lackluster results. Aelius had laughed at his efforts, but Solar must have learned something.

"What happened?" Kian asked.

"One of your little human pets got into the library and summoned a demon," Elan said. "It possessed him and went after my son."

Elan raised his hand aiming towards Solar, energy was starting to crackle from his fingertips. Was he really about to attack the child in front of them?

"Stop! What are you doing?" Aelius said standing between Solar and Elan.

"Destroying that damn shield," Solar replied.

"Are you trying to destroy your son as well? Just be patient." Aelius told him.

"Don't tell me how to raise my child." Elan snapped.

"I do have more experience with children, and Solar is maintaining his shield because you are frightening him," Aelius said.

"Of course, he's a coward," Solar muttered.

"Hardly a coward, he protected my precious Ruri and-" Aelius started

"Because the world needs more of your half breeds." Elan snarled.

His expression didn't change, but Kian could sense his brother's anger. "Mina, Ruri must need her rest," Aelius said to the mother of his child.

"You should take your leave," Aelius said quietly to Elan once she and the baby were gone.

"I'm not leaving without my son!" Elan said.

"I am revoking my invitation to you," Aelius's voice was back to its normal loudness.

"It's curious that you took such an interest in Henley, even though you loathe humans," Aelius continued.

"You cared for him so much, yet you lent him out to me." Elan was goading him.

"He isn't my property." Aelius was exasperated, Elan's view on humans was really starting to irritate him.

"Wasn't. Wasn't your property, he's gone now remember." Elan smiled.

He would never forget. Henley was singing in the street when he first saw him. His voice was as lovely as his aura. Human auras were weak compared to angels, but some were still quite appealing to angels. Henley was gentle and kind, demons always chose the sweetest prey.

By the time Aelius got to the nursery, Elan had destroyed Henley. It was the correct action, Henley was gone, possessed by a vile blood-drinking demon. But the entryway to the library was about 50 feet off the ground, an angel had to have taken him up there. He knew it was Elan, but he had no way to prove it.

"You're trespassing," Aelius said even quieter than before.

"You've kidnapped my child," Elan said.

"Not according to angel guardianship laws." Kian piped up.

"Those laws are for human-born angels." Elan pointed out.

Some angels were reborn to human parents. Sometimes it would be obvious at birth due to angel’s hair or eye colors. Most times it wasn't until the child's powers manifested that their identity was known. Once that happened the child would be reunited with their relatives or adopted by an angel family.

Not all human parents were willing to let go of their children. And many human-born angels tried to return to their human families. The angel guardianship laws were a compromise between angels and humans.

"Nothing in the law states that the child must be born of humans," Azura said.

He was right. Elan had to read those ridiculous laws in school. Damn, Kian had outmaneuvered him again. Anyone wanting guardianship of a child would be forced to hold an intus anima crystal. The crystal would project the holder's innermost thoughts, even subconscious ones. Elan might be able to mask his true feelings, but he couldn't risk it. If the council found out he killed Solara, he could spend hundreds of years in prison. If he refused, then it would be assumed he was hiding something.

He could kill Kian easily enough, but Aelius would be a challenge. Aelius was simply more powerful than him, which pissed him off to no end. He should have tried to kill the older brother last night when his guard was down.

He'd been so focused on killing Solar, he didn't think about getting rid of his protectors first.

"I shall not forget this, and I will not forgive." Solar vowed before flying off.

"He just declared us eternal enemies," Aelius said in amazement "That hasn't happened in centuries."

"I'm sorry-" Kian began.

Aelius shrugged. What was the alternative? Let Elan murder the child? As long as Aelius had light in him, he would not let that happen. Besides, Solar was family now. He knew some angels did not take to their children, but there were plenty of angel families that would take in an unwanted child. Elan’s behavior was unforgivable. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen the truth sooner, but Azura had known all along.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Aelius asked.

"Would you have believed me?" Kian was kneeling in front of Solar now. The child still had the shield up.

"It's okay, that big jerkface is gone," Kian told him.

"Jerkface go bye-bye." Solar giggled dropping the shield. Kian picked him up hugging him.

"You'll be a wonderful father someday," Aelius told him. Kian blanched. Keeping Solar safe was his main concern, he wouldn’t even think about having children.

And he wouldn't underestimate Elan again. If he was willing to summon a demon, then the silver king was capable of anything.