His parents had tried to pass him off as a princess, hoping the curse would not affect him, however, they were wrong. Although the years had passed, Uriel had never forgotten the sounds of his mortal family crying by his bedside.
At such a young age Uriel was not ready to die, he wanted to live a fulfilling life by exploring the world. He was a cherub and wanted to see what the world had to offer. So he cried out in his heart, begging the gods to save his soul, and Lord Dio heard and answered his plea, giving him a new life as a divine angel.
As a baby cherub, Lord Dio kept Uriel by his side, becoming his teacher and father in all but blood. There were a few times Lord Dio had referred to him as his loyal son, which made Uriel want to stay by the lord's side for as long as he’d allow it.
And now, that father figure was asking him to do the impossible.
“My lord, I know I was wrong, but please do not ask me to abandon my child.” Uriel placed a hand on his stomach and allowed his tears to flow. "I have been nothing but loyal to you."
“It is the only way, Uriel.” Dio’s tone was soft, yet Uriel heard the dissatisfaction in his words. “I had hoped you would be the one to resist that devil's charms, but I can see that your mind is weak. Azazel may be my son and my only regret in this life, but you have disappointed me, Uriel. You have turned away from my teachings and now your heart has turned black.”
Uriel bowed his head dejectedly.I did try to resist him, but the thought of rejecting my possible mate scared me.
It was no secret that Lord Dio had a son who he’d disowned and banished from the heavenly realm. Yet, Uriel had never met Azazel until he was sent to kill him. Uriel knew it wouldn’t be simple, but he hadn’t expected to be captured on his first attempt, nor did he expect to be enthralled by the handsome devil at first sight.
There was an ongoing war between the angels that was deemed to be good versus evil. Dio, the god of all things good, verses Azazel, the lord of the lower realms that were filled with the dredges, the outcasts—angels, demons, humans whose souls have been corrupted, and many others who were under Azazel’s command. But after spending six months with Azazel, Uriel wasn't sure who was good or bad.
The war between the heavens and the lower realm had gotten out of control, causing casualties to the humans on the earth realm. The war between the angels started eons ago when Azazel was cast out of the heavens. According to the ancient scrolls, half of the angels followed Azazel, splitting the heavens in half.
Many believed that Azazel used his power of manipulation on a few humans against the lord's wishes, causing a war to break out. Some believed Azazel was always going to be a devil, since he was the only angel born with red eyes and black wings. While others believed he was simply a rebellious man who refused to adhere to the lord's teachings.
Uriel had asked Azazel during their time together, what the real reason he was kicked out of the heavenly realms had been, but the man refused to talk about it. However, even to that very day, no one knew what caused the rift between father and son. But it didn't go unnoticed that Dio took great care of someone who was not his flesh and blood.
The battles between the heavenly and lower realms took a toll on everyone. Worst of all, it was hard for Uriel to witness friends becoming enemies, fighting for a cause they knew nothing about. However, all angels under the lord's command were to obey, no questions asked.
Uriel hadn't been the first to be given the mission to kill Azazel. Others were sent, but did not return and were believed to be killed during their attempt. Although Uriel wasn't killed, falling in love wasn't part of his plan. He had been prepared to die for his lord.
Uriel had been drawn to Azazel during their initial battle; it seemed as if the man was toying with him, which made it hard for Uriel to resist the man’s charms. He was weak in both body and mind, leaning in to his desires and falling madly in love with Azazel. Only to later have the man rip his heart out and stomp all over it.
“I have given you everything, my lord,” Uriel said. “Please, don't ask me to do this. I will accept any other punishment, but don't make me give up my child."
Dio stood from his throne and slowly walked over to Uriel. “Do you find my actions cruel?”
The word yes crossed his mind, but he remained silent.
“Yes, you have been loyal to me, Uriel, but your mind and body have been tainted.” He sneered, peering down at him. "You were supposed to remain the one that evil could not touch. I was grooming you to take my place!"
“I...” Uriel started, but his words failed him. Dio wanted him to replace him as the leader of the heavenly realms?
But I don't want to be the leader of anything.
Uriel had never wanted the honors he was given; however, he could not deny he had earned them from his time in battle and his good deeds in the earthly realm. just like the other angels currently standing in the throne room, Uriel wanted only to serve Lord Dio.
“You have nothing to say? It’s no matter. Since you have disappointed me, I must start the search for another successor.” He gently cupped Uriel’s face. “It hurts me to be cruel to you, my loyal son, but it is the only way I see fit to teach you a lesson. You are the child of my heart, Uriel, which is why I am in a benevolent mood. I know you will hate me in the future, but I also hope you will one day find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Tears streamed down his cheeks. He was unable to look at Lord Dio, seeing the hurt and mistrust glaring back at him. “Please, my lord, don’t punish my child for my failure. If it eases your fears, I will give up my power and never darken your doorstep. My lord, please do not take the one thing I want to cherish for all time. The child is your blood. Don't you care?”
“Care?” Lord Dio yelled as his fingers pressed into Uriel’s cheeks. “I abandoned my child a long time ago, so why should I care what happens to his bloodline?" He took a deep breath and collected his thoughts. "Uriel, my child, I know what I am asking you to do will be hard, but it is the only way I can forgive you for falling into his arms. I wouldn’t have gotten this angry if you’d gotten pregnant by another." He stopped and looked around the room. "Take Micha, for example. He cares for you and not like a brother. I would have arranged a joining for you both, but now you have sullied yourself and laid down willingly with that demon, and it hurts me even more!”
Uriel did not turn to look at Micha. A loyal captain in the lord's army, he was majestic and brilliant. However, Uriel had never been interested in him or anyone else until he came face to face with Azazel.
Dio released his face, pushing Uriel back and turning away from him. “In the next two days you must find human parents to adopt the child after it is born. After that, I will delay your punishment for five years and give you time to spend with the child, but you are not allowed to tell them you are their parent. The child will be the only one among the family who will be able to see, hear, touch, or speak to you." Dio turned and looked at Uriel. "Make good use of those five years, Uriel. After the five years, you will seal the child's powers, as well as erasing yourself from their memories, and allow them to live as a human, never knowing who they are. Once that is complete, you will return to my side and begin your punishment.”
“Please, my lord, don't do this,” Uriel begged. “I will rectify my failure.”
“This is more than just your failure, Uriel.” Dio looked away from him. “Your heart has strayed from the path we set for you. And as such, it is my duty as your father and lord to put you back on track. Think of it this way, my little one. I’m giving your child a chance to live and not be a part of this war. Or would you rather they die at the hands of their sire in battle?”
“He wouldn’t hurt his child if he knew,” Uriel screamed.
