OUTCOME

The next day, the remnants of the battle were visible all around the castle: crumbled walls, the garden devastated, and the bodies of fallen demons lying on the ground, while the smoke from the destroyed towers still dissipated into the air. However, the survivors of the attack were captured and taken to the castle dungeon. The exhausted but determined guards dragged the chained prisoners away, making sure they did not escape.

In the dark, cold dungeon, Belial was placed in a special cell. Her hands were encased in thick, iron-containment gloves, designed to suppress any attempt to use her magic or ability. Despite everything, her expression remained defiant, though weariness was evident in her eyes.

"What will you do now?" Belial asked with a tired smile, looking at Theo through the bars of his cell. "You can't keep me here forever."

"I don't need to do this forever," Theo replied, his voice calm but firm. "Just long enough for you to come to your senses."

Belial let out a bitter laugh, leaning his head back against the stone wall. There was nothing more to say between them at that moment.

After making sure all the attackers were under control, Theo headed to the communications tower, which had been quickly repaired. The repairs were still superficial, but the basic equipment was operational. Theo knew he had to report what had happened.

He turned on the device and after a few seconds of interference, Lucifer's image appeared on the screen. His face cold and imposing as always, his dark eyes scanning Theo with interest.

"What do you have to tell me?" Lucifer asked directly, in his deep, authoritative tone of voice.

Theo bowed slightly in respect.

"Belial's attack has been stopped," Theo reported accurately. "She and her allies are captured in the castle dungeon. Belial has been immobilized with iron containment gauntlets. However, I believe this is not the end of her intent to overthrow you."

Lucifer remained silent for a moment, evaluating every word Theo spoke. Finally, he gave a small nod.

—You have handled the situation well, Theo. But you must remember that Belial is a constant threat. Do not underestimate his cunning. I want continuous reports on his status. And… stay alert. Chaos is never far away.

Theo stated with determination.

—Understood. I won't let her out of my sight.

"Anything else?" Lucifer asked, one eyebrow raised, obviously curious.

Theo took a deep breath before answering, knowing that what he was about to say would require a firm justification.

—I want to inform you of my final decision regarding the attackers, especially Belial. I have decided that all those who participated in the attack will be sent back to the prison in Hell, as expected.

Lucifer nodded slightly, waiting for Theo to continue.

"However," Theo said, his tone more determined, "I think Belial should remain imprisoned here, in my castle."

There was a moment of silence. Lucifer's gaze grew more intense, but he didn't speak immediately. He seemed to measure Theo's words carefully, analyzing every reason behind his decision.

"And why would you make that decision?" Lucifer asked, his voice low but full of authority. "Why not send her to hell as well?"

Theo did not hesitate in his response.

"I know Belial. She has shown exceptional skill and a deep grudge that will not easily go away. If she returns to Hell's prison, I fear her hatred will only grow and she will try the same thing again. Here, I can keep a closer eye on her, and if she tries to escape, I will be prepared to act immediately. I know her better than anyone now, and if there is any chance of avoiding a major war, it will be under my watch."

Lucifer watched him in silence for a few more seconds, his gaze like an invisible edge that weighed Theo's words.

"You're taking a big risk by keeping her around," Lucifer warned. "If she finds a way to break free, you'll have to deal with the consequences. But, if you think you can control her, I'll let you act on your own judgment. Keep in mind, though, that it won't be an easy decision to reverse if things go wrong."

Theo nodded respectfully, understanding the implications of what he had just done.

"I won't fail," he replied confidently.

Lucifer simply nodded once more before cutting the connection. Theo let out a sigh, aware of the burden he had just taken on. Now, Belial would be in his custody, a formidable enemy within his own castle. But he was confident in his decision. He knew that if anyone could keep her in check, it would be him.

With one last glance at the communications equipment, Theo left the room and gave the orders. The attackers, one by one, were chained and sent to the prison of hell, while Belial, with his iron containment gloves, would be kept under strict guard in Theo's castle.

The castle, though damaged, would remain his stronghold. And now, too, the prison of one of the most dangerous enemies he had ever faced.

In the distance, among the shadows that stretched across the horizon, a silent figure watched everything from an elevated position, out of sight of Theo and his allies. He was an imposing being, with white wings that reflected the dim light of the afternoon and long, silver hair that fell softly over his back. His skin, a deep, dark tone, contrasted with the purity of his wings, giving him a presence that was both majestic and disturbing.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips as his eyes gazed at the castle, now calm after the chaos of the battle.

"This was… entertaining," he murmured in a soft voice, but loaded with a strange mix of satisfaction and mystery.

Its wings fluttered slightly, as if it were about to move, but it remained motionless, surveying the scene from its position. There was more than just observations behind those eyes; a spark of growing interest. Without any hurry, the being turned around, disappearing into the horizon as if it had never been there, leaving only a feeling of unease in the air.