LINES OF DESTINY

On Monday morning, Theo walked through the halls of St. Michael's Academy, trying to gather his thoughts after a chaotic weekend. The fresh air of the school and the bustle of the students in the halls were a much-needed respite after the intense events at his castle.

"Teo!" Liam called from the other end of the hallway, hurrying towards him. Jaden was right behind, a relaxed smile on his face.

"Why so early?" Theo joked, smiling as he watched them approach.

"Early? Please, I'm sure you wanted a grand entrance without us," Liam replied, nudging her in a friendly way. "How was your weekend? Did you finally take a break or were you stuck in your books again?"

Theo gave a short laugh.

—Nothing out of the ordinary, just... you know, a bit of everything —he said, keeping his tone casual. —And you guys? Did you do anything interesting?

"Of course!" Liam chimed in, getting dramatic. "We watched a movie marathon until three in the morning. I almost had to tie Jaden to the chair to keep him from falling asleep."

Jaden shrugged, somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, but some of us like to get a decent night's sleep," he replied, then turned to Theo. "Though with how far we're from applications, it seems I'm in for more insomnia than I'd like."

Theo ascended, noticing that the school finally felt like a safe space.

"Well, at least one of you has discipline. I'm sure you'll do well, Jaden," Theo said, casting a knowing glance at Liam.

—Hey, I study too! In my own way, of course —Liam defended himself, putting a hand on his chest in mock indignation—. I study Jaden's summaries, that's all.

The three of them burst out laughing when Chloe suddenly appeared beside them, a friendly smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

—Hi, Theo! Hi, guys —she greeted them cheerfully.

"Hey, Chloe!" Jaden and Liam answered in unison, while Theo smiled at her.

"How was your weekend, Chloe?" Theo asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Nothing exciting, but I found some great notes for the story. I'll send them to you later if you want," Chloe replied, with her usual kindness.

Theo ascended, feeling a warmth that contrasted with the memories of recent battles.

—Sure, that would be great. Thanks, Chloe.

Liam, amused, leaned towards Theo and murmured:

—You've got the best helpers, Theo. I should learn a little from your strategy.

Chloe heard the comment and laughed.

—Friends are here for something, right? You can always join our sessions, Liam.

After a seemingly normal day at the academy, Theo and Chloe walked together down the wooded path leading to their homes. The conversation flowed lightly and naturally, until Chloe, perceptive as ever, noticed a thoughtful air in Theo's face and decided to ask him.

—Theo, I know you're always relaxed, but today... it seems like you have something on your mind —she commented, glancing at him with a slight smile.

Theo sighs, realizing that with Chloe he didn't need a suitor.

—Okay, I'll tell you. It was a... eventful weekend, so to speak. There was an attack in my... well, in my "other life."

Chloe looked at him, intrigued and somewhat worried.

"Attack? On your castle, then?" he asked with interest, taking in the new information, since he already knew something about Theo's life as an infernal ruler.

Theo walked up, keeping his tone relaxed so Chloe wouldn't worry.

—Yes, it was Belial. He came with some allies and attacked the castle. It was quite an intense fight, but we managed to defend ourselves. Don't worry, I'm fine —he said with a smile, trying to restore importance—. Although... I must admit that every day it seems more complicated to maintain control.

Chloe smiled, relieved that Theo was okay, but also in admiration.

—Well, it seems like every weekend you have a new adventure. I don't know how you do it, Theo, but I'm glad you trust me with these things, she replied sincerely.

As they continued walking, Theo felt a change in the air, an imposing and unknown energy that forced him to stop. Chloe noticed it too, as the air became dense, almost sacred. Suddenly, a majestic figure appeared in their path, descending from a high position, as if it had been silently observing them.

The being had an imposing presence, with white wings that caught the soft light of the afternoon, giving it an ethereal and powerful glow. Its long, silver hair fell softly over its shoulders, and its skin, a deep, dark tone, contrasted fascinatingly with the purity of its wings. Both Theo and Chloe stood still, watching the figure with caution and wonder.

"Theo Lancaster, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," the being said, his voice deep and serene, seeming to echo through the air itself. "I am Sariel, one of the angels in the service of the Celestial Kingdom."

Theo looked at him in surprise, not knowing exactly how to react.

"An angel? What is an angel doing looking for me?" he asked, unable to hide his intrigue.

Sariel watched him with unwavering calm, as if every word he was about to utter had been carefully chosen.

Sariel kept her deep eyes on Theo, letting the silence settle between them before speaking again. Theo and Chloe remained motionless, sensing the seriousness in the angel's posture and voice, as if every word she would say weighed in the air.

"Theo, as you may know, the heavens do not usually intervene in the affairs of hell," Sariel began, her voice seeming to flow with authority and calm at the same time. "But this time, things have changed. Belial, who has brought chaos to your realm, is a threat that goes beyond the boundaries of hell. A being capable of causing a rebellion in hell has the potential to affect both the human world and heaven."

Theo frowned. It was no surprise that Belial was dangerous, but seeing the worry on an angel's face made him understand the gravity of the situation.

—What do you want me to do? —Theo, the director, asked, without a trace of doubt in his voice.

Sariel leaned slightly towards him, her wings shimmering in the dim afternoon light.

"We need you to hand over Belial to us," he said in a solemn tone. "In the hands of a demon with her level of power, chaos spreads like a plague. Her ability to alter reality and manipulate environments not only affects your world, but threatens the stability between dimensions. Let Heaven deal with her; her existence in Hell has already gone from being an internal conflict to a universal risk."

Theo pursed his lips, considering the proposal. He knew Belial was powerful and dangerous, but he was also aware of the potential consequences of handing her over to a power other than his own. Heavenly intervention was a delicate matter.

"Don't get me wrong," Sariel added, sensing Theo's hesitation. "Heaven does not intervene without reason. But this is not just a matter of justice; it is a matter of protecting the balance between the realms. The destruction Belial can wreak has no known limits."

Theo kept his gaze fixed on the angel, feeling the weight of the decision he was being asked to make. He knew that Belial's fate could affect many, but he also understood that handing over a demon of that magnitude was not a decision he could take lightly.

Chloe, sensing the tension, put a hand on his arm to give him strength. Theo took a deep breath, ready to respond.

—I understand what you mean, Sariel. But if I am to give you Belial, I want to know exactly what will become of her in heaven.

Sariel looked at Theo with a gaze that left no room for doubt, her expression implacable. Her tone remained calm, but there was an unwavering certainty in her words.

"If Belial is handed over to Heaven, her fate will be execution," Sariel stated bluntly, her words heavy as an irrevocable verdict. "Her nature and her crimes are incompatible with the harmony of the heavens. A being of her power cannot exist without posing a constant threat. Heaven must take definitive action to protect the balance of the realms."

Theo clenched his fists, a wave of disgust washing over him. Though he understood the gravity of the situation, the idea of handing someone over, even someone like Belial, to face a death without any chance of redemption, was difficult to accept.

"I cannot do that," she replied, trying to stand firm in her decision. "I understand that Belial is dangerous, but his fate should be decided in Hell. That is where he belongs, and where he has committed his crimes."

The angel watched him in silence for a few seconds that seemed like an eternity, his silver eyes fixed on Theo as if he could read every thought in his mind. Finally, Sariel bowed his head, as if he had anticipated Theo's resistance.

"I am sorry to hear your refusal, Theo," he replied, his tone remaining expressionless, but with a warning hanging in the air. "However, you must understand that Heaven is not flexible in its decisions. If Belial is not handed over, there will be consequences for Hell. Heaven cannot afford a place that fosters rebellion and chaos of that magnitude. Retaliation would be immediate."

Chloe looked at him, clearly worried, but Theo didn't take his attention away from the angel. The weight of the decision was crushing, but he knew he had to choose carefully; the safety of his entire kingdom and his responsibility to Hell hung on this one choice.

—Is it a threat, then? —Theo asked, his voice low but defiant, facing Sariel without looking away.

Sariel ascended, unfazed.

—It's not a threat, Theo. It's a warning.

Sariel sees the firmness in Theo's eyes, understanding that the young man's resistance was not simply a matter of pride, but of principle. However, the angel's resolve will remain unwavering.

"Listen, Theo," Sariel continued, softening her tone but remaining firm. "Heaven understands that the affairs of Hell must be handled in Hell. That is why it offers you an alternative: if that is how you prefer to handle it, they can carry out the execution in their own realm."

Theo walked slowly, somewhat relieved, although the weight of responsibility was still enormous.

"Then Lucifer will be informed," Sariel added. "And not only him: the horsemen and rulers of Hell will have to accept this decision. Heaven will not intervene as long as the punishment is carried out and the threat is neutralized. But you must know that once Lucifer has made a decision, everyone in Hell must respect it, including you."

Theo felt a knot in his stomach. He knew that if Lucifer decided to accept execution, his only option would be to obey. However, the fact that Heaven left the decision in Lucifer's hands gave him a slight hope that he could influence Belial's fate.

"I will make this known to Lucifer," Theo replied cautiously. " And… I will ensure that the threat of Belial is dealt with in the safest manner."

Sariel looked at him with something that might have been respect or perhaps compassion.

—Good luck, Theo. You are young, but you must know that in the balance of the realms there is no room for personal conflict —he concluded, with a solemn air—. Let the result be as it must be.

Theo, his heart firm in his decision, challenged Lucifer in front of everyone in his own castle. He knew that this decision would change the course of his life, but he was determined to stand his ground and give Belial a chance. His words echoed in the hall, where the riders and Lucifer looked on in amazement.

"Lucifer," he said, his voice clear and determined. "The challenge. If I win, we will rescind Belial's execution. But if I lose, I will resign my position as a rider and abide by your decision without reservation."

Lucifer looked at Theo with a mixture of surprise and respect. The proposal was bold, and his gaze reflected his assessment of Theo's conviction.

"Theo, you know this challenge is serious," Lucifer replied, his voice firm but with a spark of interest. "You are betting not only your position, but your destiny."

Theo held her gaze, showing that he fully understood what this meant.

"I know, and I'm ready," he said.

After a few moments of silence, Lucifer nodded, accepting the challenge.

—Then it shall be so. We shall meet in your arena of combat. Let the strength of your conviction be put to the test.

The mood in the room turned solemn as the attendants made their way to the arena at Theo's castle. Upon arrival, the guards escorted a chained Belial to the center of the venue. The demon watched them, clearly surprised by the situation. When her eyes met Theo's, the confusion was evident.

"Theo… what's going on?" Belial asked, puzzled.

"I am fighting for your life, Belial," Theo replied, his voice filled with determination. "If I win this battle, you will be forgiven. But if I lose… then I will give up my place among the riders."

Belial stared at him, shocked and speechless, as Lucifer advanced towards the center of the arena. Everyone present, including the other riders, watched attentively and respectfully. Lucifer positioned himself in front of Theo, his expression solemn and powerful.

"Very well, Theo Lancaster," Lucifer said. "We will fight until surrender or incapacitation. This will be a duel of wills, and only the most determined will prevail."

Theo raised his double-edged sword, ready for combat.