The Beginning Of Forever

The crimson skies of Hell softened as the sun began to rise, painting the horizon in hues of fiery red and deep gold. The molten rivers reflected the light, casting shimmering streaks of brilliance across the rocky terrain. Kikidori stood at the edge of the obsidian balcony, his arms crossed, watching as the dark realm was momentarily transformed into something almost serene.

Ere'ana approached quietly, her white gown trailing behind her as she stepped out onto the balcony. The soft glow of her presence added a heavenly contrast to the harsh infernal surroundings. She stopped beside him, her delicate wings folding close as she gazed out at the horizon.

"You're up early," Ere'ana said softly, breaking the silence.

Kikidori smirked without looking at her. "Couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts."

Ere'ana tilted her head slightly. "What kind of thoughts?"

Kikidori shrugged, his golden eyes reflecting the sunlight as it rose higher. "Everything, I guess. Us. This place. The future." He finally turned to look at her, his expression softening. "It's been... a lot."

Ere'ana smiled gently and reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "It has. But we're here, together. That's what matters."

For a while, neither of them spoke. They stood in comfortable silence, watching the sun climb higher and higher, its light spilling over the jagged cliffs and valleys of Hell. Despite the realm's harshness, there was a strange beauty to the moment—a sense of peace that felt rare and precious.

Kikidori finally broke the silence, his voice low but sincere. "You know, I never thought I'd end up here—watching a sunrise with an Archangel, married, no less."

Ere'ana laughed softly, her voice like a melody carried on the wind. "Life—or afterlife—has a way of surprising us, doesn't it?"

He glanced at her, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "You've been the biggest surprise of all."

Ere'ana looked up at him, her sapphire eyes shimmering with emotion. "And you've been mine. I never thought I'd find someone like you... someone who understands me."

Kikidori chuckled, a deep, warm sound. "You're too good for me, you know that?"

Ere'ana shook her head, stepping closer to him. "No, I think we're just right for each other. Two halves of a whole."

The sun had fully risen now, bathing them in its golden light. Kikidori reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Ere'ana's face. His touch was uncharacteristically gentle, his usual sharp demeanor softened in her presence.

"Ere'ana," he began, his voice unsteady for once, "I know I don't say it enough—or maybe not at all—but... I love you."

Her eyes widened briefly before she smiled, her heart swelling with joy. "I love you too, Kikidori. Always."

As the light enveloped them, Kikidori leaned in, and their lips met in a tender kiss. It was a moment that felt eternal, as if time itself had paused to honor the bond they shared. The harsh world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their love and the promise of a future together.

When they finally pulled apart, Ere'ana rested her forehead against his, her wings wrapping around them both. "So... what happens now?" she asked softly.

Kikidori smirked, his confidence returning. "Now? Now we see what tommorow."

Ere'ana laughed, her voice filled with hope. "Together?"

"Always," Kikidori said firmly.

And as they stood there, bathed in the light of the new day, they both knew that this was just the beginning of their story.

The End of Book 1