An Unruly Child

Abaddon was not unfamiliar with Govad's residence, but it had been a while since he had come.

He did not remember the layout clearly from the past, so he could only follow the flamboyant red-winged demi-angel.

As they walked through the castle, his eyes looked around with veiled interest at the surroundings.

Unlike his residence, this house was full of activity. It was an amalgamation of diverse energies from the different people within it.

Moreover, there were a lot of individuals who seemed to come in and out freely. The movement combined with the helpers working within the residence made it difficult to track anything in the house.

It also seemed like there was a party, judging from the numerous maids and other helpers in uniforms walking around with jars, plates and cups.

Abaddon could not help comparing the place to a livelier Palace of Versailles in its heydays.

He surmised that Govad was still the best entertainer among the demi-angels. He always had a full house when he threw a party.

In the earlier days of the birth of Panthalassa, people talked about most of his parties for literal centuries.

"Why are you looking for Samiel? Is there trouble in Farallon?" Govad asked after realising that the walk was too long to keep silent.

They could have gotten to Samiel in seconds.

However, as a rule, he did not allow his countless guests to use movement abilities within the castle and to do so would be considered an intent to attack. The response would not be kind.

As a good host, he followed the same rules and did not use any speeding powers within the house.

"If there were trouble, I will assemble the Council," Rex responded.

The Council comprised of the Rulers, Counsellors and Special Enforcers of the Panthalassa Continent.

"You are as boring as ever," Govad said with an eye roll.

"And you are still an unruly child." The words had some humour.

Govad turned his head and looked at Abaddon with a side glance which looked seductive when coupled with the phoenix eyes.

"There is something different about you." He declared.

"What do you mean? Have you suddenly developed extrasensory abilities?" Rex asked with a hint of mockery.

Govad's red wings shook a little at the words.

"Right there, that is what I'm talking about. You have always closed off your emotions. And now, you are mocking me? Something strange is going on." He became animated.

Abaddon did not respond, but he smiled a little.

This only served to scare Govad more.

"Are you possessed? Have you found religion? Are you dying?"

Rex stretched a hand and ruffled the red hair on the demi-angel's head.

Govad looked unsettled by the gesture which he should associate with fondness. He walked faster and opened the door of one of the suites in the castle unceremoniously.

"Samiel, Samiel." His calls were loud and urgent.

Abaddon cast a spell around the room before Govad blurted something strange in his crowded mansion.

A man emerged from an interior room and stepped into the living room. His white coat and cold, almost venomous, gaze seemed at odds with the colourful decorations.

His eyes rested for a moment on Rex before turning to Govad. There was a sign of softening as he looked at the colourful demi-angel.

"There is something wrong with the King." Govad pointed at Rex.

Samiel looked at Abaddon from head to toe and did not find anything unusual. Of course, Rex had concealed his condition well before leaving the Obsidian Tower.

"Did you finally give in to the madness of ennui?" He asked with an unknown sharpness.

Abaddon had an urge to roll his eyes, but he instead looked at Samiel flatly.

Samiel narrowed his purple eyes as he saw the changes in the King's expression. They had known each other for thousands of years, and it did seem strange to see that face moving in a way that it had not done in millennia.

He looked back to Govad.

"You are right. There is something gravely wrong with the King. I will examine him in my lab." His voice was a little gentler.

Govad nodded in understanding. "I will have the kitchen prepare our finest wine in case it is our last time drinking with the King."

Abaddon looked at the excitable demi-angel with his deep fiery eyes, and Govad stepped back in fear.

"I mean we must toast to the King's good health." He laughed awkwardly before walking out of the room with the speed of the wind.

"He is an amusing child." Rex had a gentle tone that spoke of his fondness for Govad.

"He is only a thousand or so years younger than you," Samiel commented.

"As I said, a child." He smiled.

"And what would you call the one who brings you to my door after a year without a single 'hello'?" Samiel's venomous purple eyes glowed a little.

He was an experienced and intuitive angel, so he had an understanding of the world. He had some guesses about the changes in Rex.

Abaddon was caught in a rare moment of awkwardness.

He had not thought of Aisling's age in comparison to his.

The thought suddenly depressed him.