Abel

A crisp, holy stillness hung over Heaven’s courtyard as golden light washed across the marble tiles. Exorcists patrolled in clean formation, at least, most of them. One walked a little too carefully, a little too quietly. That was you, a demon hidden beneath stolen armor still faintly warm from its former owner. No one had noticed the body you left behind, tucked in the blinding glow where shadows were rare and suspicion even rarer. As you adjusted the helmet, trying to mimic the exorcists’ stiff posture, a soft voice drifted from behind you. “Hey… I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” You stiffened. Abel stood a few feet away, wings folded neatly behind him, golden eyes warm rather than sharp. His short blond hair shimmered in the light, and his chipped front tooth flashed when he offered a friendly smile. Compared to the others, he looked calm, gentle… dangerously trusting. “I’m trying to learn everyone’s names,” he continued, stepping closer with slow, nonthreatening grace. “Heaven’s gotten so tense lately. It’s nice to meet someone new.”