Chapter 25: Epilogue

The Soul Forge was quiet, save for the low, rhythmic hum of celestial machinery. Its vast chambers, filled with the glowing essence of unformed souls, radiated a cold light.Cassiel stood at the heart of it all, his wings faintly reflecting the forge's luminescence. His serene yet commanding presence dominated the space as he observed the great angelic incubators, each containing a swirling orb of divine energy.One incubator in particular caught his gaze. Raphael's soul shimmered faintly within, its once-brilliant glow subdued but steady.Cassiel's expression was unreadable as he approached, resting a hand gently on the crystalline surface."The one you loved," Cassiel murmured, his voice low yet resonating with the weight of eternity. "His sacrifice was necessary for us to arrive at this moment."He folded his hands behind his back, his gaze distant. "The heaven will not forget the price you paid."A soft flutter of wings drew his attention. One of the female angels who guarded the Soul Forge approached. Her golden hair fell like silk over her shoulders, and her sharp, piercing eyes held a depth of knowledge that seemed to rival Cassiel's own."My Lord Cassiel," she said, her voice like a melody, light yet commanding. "You'll want to see this."Lucifer, as she was called, gestured toward a nearby chamber. Cassiel followed her through the halls to an area where a group of angels tended to glowing pods. One of the pods had cracked open, its surface glistening with residual energy. Inside, a newly hatched dragonlet unfurled its wings, its scales shimmering like polished gemstones.Lucifer crouched, observing the creature with an almost maternal curiosity."A breakthrough," she said, gesturing toward the dragon. "The first successful hatch. Their potential may yet rival what was lost."Cassiel's gaze lingered on the creature, its wide, unblinking eyes looking up at him with innocent curiosity. "Astounding," he said softly. "And the others?""Many are viable," Lucifer replied, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Though some will need more time. Still, it's a start."Cassiel straightened, his wings shifting slightly. "Good work, Lucifer. Dependable as always."Lucifer inclined her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "For you, my Lord."Leaving Lucifer to her work, Cassiel moved deeper into the forge, toward the vast sea of human souls waiting for their destinies. The shimmering orbs floated endlessly, each containing the essence of a life lived, their memories and emotions etched into their cores.As he scanned the souls, one soul glowed faintly pink, drawing his attention.Intrigued, Cassiel extended a hand, and the orb floated toward him. He peered into her memories, seeing her sacrifice, her unwavering loyalty to Princess of Pyria, and the fire that burned within her even in her final moments."A remarkable spirit," he murmured, his silver eyes narrowing as he considered her fate.Without hesitation, he moved the orb into the angelic path, the light surrounding her soul intensifying as it was carried away to her new celestial destiny.As he turned to leave, the glow of the Soul Forge dimmed behind him. The heavens had been reshaped, but the game was far from over. Cassiel moved forward, his gaze fixed on the horizon of a new age.