"The integrity of Balance is in grave danger, Gabriel. Something must be done.”

Gabriel, the Messenger; shining from within, flawlessly beautiful, said serenely to Michael, the archangel of Life, "Do not distress yourself brother, there is hope…and a plan.”

Michael glanced encouragingly at Gabriel to continue, his ebony hair flowing gently in the cosmos as his inner energy glowed from within his body. The brothers  hovered above the seven realms observing the intricate patterns of life and death that changed endlessly like a crazy kaleidoscope. 

"Why isn’t anything being done to curb the recent attacks on the mortal planes?" Michael burst out agitatedly.

"You must trust and believe, Michael. This is only the opening act in the final game between Darkness and Light. We have already been victorious over the darkness once, what makes you think there is nothing being done to guarantee eternity for us and humankind?"

“I -" Michael closed his eyes in disgrace. He knew as well as Gabriel what it meant to have faith...and patience. The growing demonic threat had him on edge; he wanted to descend and annihilate them…but that was not allowed. He understood only too well that they had their place in the theatre of life and their role to play in the final battle. But the underworld’s hordes were getting restless and increasingly bold. Soon the veil would not be able to hold against the horde any longer and when it failed all damnation would break loose. And then of course there was her to consider as well: Lillith, the Mother of all Demons, growing increasingly bold as if her victory was already guaranteed.

“Something must be done now,” Michael ventured again but Gabriel merely smiled patiently. 

Both looked up expectantly at a sudden shift in energy and smiled in gracious welcome as Lyhaera, the archangel of Fate & Prophecy glided wraithlike into their presence. 

Smiling gently in greeting she turned her gaze on the infinite vortex of lights that made up every living soul existing on the human planes. 

“Lillith is up to something.” Lyhaera stated emphatically. “I can’t yet sense the essence of what she is scheming in that devious mind of hers but I do know the sensation of something dangerously rotten afoot.”

“And your natural instincts aren’t dictating anything more than an impression of evil?” Michael implored and looked to his brother; worry twisting his unearthly beauty into stark lines.

“Oh, it’s more than just an impression. The sudden increase in demon activity and subjugation of vulnerable humans are clear indications of some preparation on her part. I suspect that she’s creating a foul army. I might not be able to see specifics at the moment but I am no fool. Lillith is preparing to descend on the Light’s planes and conquer them.” Lyhaera warned grimly.

“Which of the Seven Realms do you think will be targeted first?”

“I can’t even venture a guess at the moment but worry not brothers, a plan has been put in motion that will shake the very foundation of reality..”

"A plan?" Michael questioned almost desperately. 

“Yes, a prophecy has manifested in the gilded halls.”

“Tell us, Lyhaera! What does it predict?”

“The Light has chosen six souls to deliver us from evil. Soon they will leave the mortal planes and begin their journey of deliverance.”

“How long?” 

“Soon brother.”

“Soon can mean anything, Lyhaera!” 

Lyhaera flinched at Michael’s tone. “Please brother, have faith.”

“Have faith, have faith! Is that your answer to everything?”

Lyhaera looked expressively at Gabriel, both of them with the same disquieting thought. 

Gabriel felt deeply saddened. He knew that his brother was straying from the shining path; doubt was always the first sign. They could not afford to lose hope. It was the only thing keeping them strong in the face of overwhelming adversity. 

Gabriel urged Michael gravely, "Have faith brother, please, have faith."

*** WELCOME DEAR READER ***

Are you intrigued yet? I bet you’re intrigued. What does Lillith have planned? Who are the six souls the Light has blessed? How does magic in this realm work??? All of this will be answered my dear reader. 

However, a warning. 

The next 5 chapter 0 chapters have strong themes of death, suicide, sexual assault and all manners of uncomfortable themes that may be triggering to some. If you are not in the right headspace to read about these things, please skip to Chapter 1. The chapter 0 chapters provide some backstory for the characters as well as how they die as humans. Rough stuff I know but necessary for some character building. It is not necessary for you to read these chapters to be able to know what is going on in the rest of the story so please do not read them if they could potentially upset you.

Okay bye <3