Justice for the Fallen

My hands were cuffed in golden shackles, and the wretched metal cut deep into my wrists. My red skin was splashed with dark brown bruises already.

I had a strange feeling of déjà vu.

Unfortunately, this time, my situation was worse. I wasn’t just caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I would pay for the crime I committed─murder and a breach of the Peace Treaty. Even knowing that Melkyal would defend me, my chances of survival were extremely slim right now.

There’s always a way out for you, said the voice in my head. I gritted my teeth. It was true, yet I was still reluctant to consider it, even knowing my precarious situation.

„Get a move on.” An Angel of Courage escorting me shoved me forward, and I tripped but managed to keep my balance.

“Touch me again, and I’ll bite off your hand,” I hissed, baring my teeth.

It was just an empty threat, and we both knew it. The golden chains were dampening my strength, and there was no way for me to use my power unless I wanted to go all out. But it would be no turning back after it.

Just make up your mind. It’s getting tedious, growled the voice, but I ignored it.

As we approached the city’s centre, thousands of voices could be heard. The streets were unprecedently busy, and all people seemed to be going in the same direction we did. Not many public trials were held here. It happened only several times since I arrived, and each instance was a prosecution against the most hated and notorious criminals.

And now, everyone was rushing to see me being judged and executed.

Even the armoured unit of Angels of Courage had difficulty getting through the busy crowd at the edge of the main market. The leading soldier realised shouting commands to the civilians was futile, so he instructed his subordinates to use shafts of their weapons to push stubborn people aside.

Like cattle. That’s what mortals were to them.

After a couple of arguments and a few bloodied noses, we finally broke the throng and entered the plaza. I stared around in awe as it was transformed completely. Gone were the stalls of regular vendors and little makeshift carts always full of food.

At one end of the marketplace, a purple awning was stretched over the rows of comfortable-looking chairs and benches, hiding them from the unforgiving rays of the scorching sun. The place was full of people wearing fancy dresses, expensive robes, and doublets. Modestly dressed servants walked among them, serving little bits of finger food and pouring wine or other beverages.

I scoffed. The nobles could turn everything into a party.

A little bit away from them, still conveniently shaded, a row of sturdy desks was elevated. Scribes, either humans or angels, occupied most smaller ones. They were all rushing around, comparing their notes on parchments. The central place─the sturdy throne-like chair, was still empty, though, no doubt waiting for the Archangel of Wisdom to arrive.

My escort pushed me into the caged stand in the middle of the market. The bars weren’t even necessary. Being shackled in the holy chains was enough to make me weak.

But it was all a big show.

When the door to my new cage closed with a loud clung, I took another good look around. The rest of the people were standing around the plaza. Some used crates and benches to get a better glimpse of the spectacle. I scanned the crowd for familiar faces and found a few. Some I knew, people I had previously had business with, a couple of demons under the glamours.

Most of them looked more curious than angry. If it were Khaneus’ trial, the situation would look different. He murdered ordinary people and made them fear venturing into the street at night. But I was accused of killing a noble and one with a bad reputation among the regular people. They didn’t hate me.

At least not yet.

Thinking about the sorcerer reminded me he was supposed to be here too. We were supposed to be executed together, both traitors to the city. I saw him when angels hauled him from his cage just before they got to me, but I haven’t seen him since. Clearly, I was the main attraction to entertain the crowds today.

I shaded my eyes, looking over at the other end of the plaza, where numerous Angels of Courage stood at attention, their weapons ready. I could see a figure in shackles behind them, hunched over with a hood over their head. It must have been Khaneus. It was wise to keep him out of sight just yet, in case the crowd got too excited seeing the serial killer apprehended. But the fact that he could stand on his own meant his senses were coming back. I thought that whoever had poisoned him would silence him permanently. Curious.

I raised my shackled hands to wipe out the sweat from my face. The sun in its zenith was merciless, burning my skin and stinging my eyes. It was not something that could harm me, but being drenched in your own sweat was annoying. I hoped I could get some respite, but the sky was the most transparent blue without clouds. I sighed. I almost wished they’d just get on with this and finish me off.

Don’t even joke like that. Let’s get out of this flimsy cage now. Why wait?

Melkyal promised he would get me out. I believe in him.

A scoff echoed in my head. You are such a fool. Even if Golden Boy sincerely wants to help us, he still doesn’t have the authority to do so. He can try all he wants, but we both know it is not a trial but a set-up.

Just wait and see what happens.

The consciousness stirred impatiently inside me, clawing around, trying to find a way out, but I pushed it down again with a low growl. It was not the time yet.

Someone cleared his throat right next to me, and I jumped, startled. Anauel stood next to my cage with a shy smile on her beautiful face. She held a bundle of dark fabric that she offered me.

“Take this and put it on your head. The sun is intense today. If you stay here for long, you might get dizzy and faint.”

I accepted the gift, which appeared to be a wide shawl. I draped it over my head and shoulders. It didn’t make me feel much better, but it was something. And the gesture itself was lovely. Anauel also handed me the waterskin; cold water tasted like ambrosia on my parched lips.

“Thank you, Anauel. I’m glad there are still some real angels around here,” I said, returning the pouch to her.

Her face flushed, and she murmured, “Think nothing of it. I’m sorry they treat you this way.”

Before I could reply, she was called away by another annoyed angel. I sighed and pulled an improvised hood lower over my face.

A sudden commotion on the other side of the plaza could only mean one thing.

Omael, the Archangel of Wisdom, arrived.

Everyone could feel the shift in the air when he entered the marketplace, even if glamour covered most of his angelic features. With his confident stride, the aura of power and authority around him made all conversation die down. People turned to him, waiting to hear his wise words.

And Melkyal was nowhere to be seen.

I told you he lied. He already gave up on you.

“Shut it,” I hissed.

Omael took his place behind the desk and waved impatiently at servants refusing offered drinks. He grabbed a gavel and brought it down firmly three times. “Quiet down, please. I’m hereby opening the trial of Sannarah, servant of the Fallen One. Please read the charges.”

One of the human clerks got up and rolled out the parchment.

“Sannarah is accused of murdering Raphael Gallagher in his residence on the third day of Harvest Season. The body went missing and was only found a couple of days ago. It is believed that he died an excruciating death from its poor state, and his mortal remains were barbarically desecrated.” The man finished reading and sat back down.

The crowd erupted with gasps and whispers.

“That’s outrageous!” shouted a nobleman, probably one of the Gallaghers. “This monster has to be put down immediately!” The others joined him, provoking more clamour.

Omael smashed the gavel at the desk.

“Silence, please.” He turned to me, his lavender eyes trying to burn holes in my skull. “Does the accused deny the charges?”

I straightened my back. “No, I do not.”

Omael smirked. “Then I think the situation is clear to everyone. Killing a mortal by the servant of the Fallen God is a direct breach of the Peace Treaty, and the penalty is death.”

“Wait!” a voice broke the silence before the gavel could hit the desk again.

My heart skipped a beat. Melkyal made it.

“You are late,” grumbled Omael, frowning his silver brows, but he put the gavel down.

The crowd made way for Melkyal. His face was flushed, and sweat pearled on his forehead as if he was in a great rush to get here. But what I saw behind him sent my heart racing even more. Ina was walking with Milla, holding onto her arm for courage. She was pale but smiled when she looked at me, even though she must have been extremely anxious.

And after them walked so many people. Some of them I recognised as other victims of Gallagher, while others were my friends and acquaintances I made over the years. Malkyal gathered them all here to speak for me.

I blinked away tears filling my eyes. I didn’t expect to see so many of them, but I was grateful. I raised my shackled hands and touched my forehead, making a sign of thanks.

“The defendant is guilty of murder, but we cannot overlook the circumstances that led to it,” Melkyal said, addressing the gathered crowd. He strolled towards me, his armour shining in the sun, the shadow of his golden wings hidden by glamour majestically adorning his back. He put a hand on the bars of my cage and smiled at me so beautifully that I almost believed everything would be well.

I wanted to believe.

“I gathered witnesses that will tell you the story of what happened in detail, which many of you would probably prefer not to hear. But to make sure this trial is just,” he looked defiantly at Omael, “we need to listen to all sides, not just the prosecutors.”

“That’s preposterous!” shouted a chubby nobleman, rising from his chair. The wine sloshed out of his crystal glass from the rapid movement spilling on his hand. “This creature killed a member of my family! No matter what the band of rugged beggars says, I will have her head!”

Screams of protest erupted at that proclamation. The nobles might rule the city, but they were a minority when it came to numbers, and it was not wise to antagonise the mob that could easily crush you if it got unhinged. Some of Gallagher’s companions must have realised that because they gently but firmly dragged him back to his seat while the High Judge bashed his gavel down repeatedly to silence angry people.

“Keep your voices down, or I will have you removed,” the Archangel of Wisdom threatened in a cold voice. The unit of Angels of Courage stepped in front of the crowd with hands on their weapons.

The crowd slowly calmed down, though they still gave the nobles hateful glares.

“This is a trial, not a circus,” Omael continued. “We will listen to all the witnesses you gathered, Melkyal, but bear in mind that no matter what sad story you’re trying to pull here, I will still judge the crime according to our laws.”

Melkyal bowed his head slightly. “That’s all I ask for, sir. Once you hear all the witnesses’ statements, you will have a clearer vision of what transpired that day, and you can make your judgement accordingly.”

“Fine, proceed,” the High Judge grumbled, tapping his fingers impatiently on his desk.

I watched as all of Gallagher’s victims came to sand in front of the imposing desk and gave their statements. The stories were horrifying and heartbreaking, painting the man I murdered as the monster he was. Often, Omael had to silence the crowd, and a few times, Angels of Courage had to escort some people away from the plaza because of the threats they spit at the nobles, who still sat in the comfort of their shaded oasis.

When Ina’s turn came, my heart clenched painfully. She trembled so severely it was a miracle she was still standing. She hid her face under the hood, but the High Judge demanded to see her face. As expected, people gaped at her and whispered with awe or disgust once her cover was down.

I tightened my fist on the bars, wishing I could go out there and silence all those foolish mortals. But despite hateful gazes, Ina stood tall and focused her attention on the Archangel. Even though her voice was quiet and her sentences were short and clipped, she did manage to convey the main points of what happened.

I had to give it to the Archangel of Wisdom that he was patiently listening to all the witnesses, not rushing anyone, only nodding and waving to his scribes to note down one thing or the other. Though seeing his cold lavender eyes, I felt that none of it would matter in the end.

“I think we’ve heard enough from the victims already,” Omael said when Melkyal picked another young man from the gathered witnesses. “We better understand what kind of man Raphael Gallagher was. Do you have witnesses who can add anything new to this case?”

“Yes, sir. I have also gathered people who can tell you more about the defendant’s character as an upstanding citizen of this city who works tirelessly for the betterment of people in the poorer districts.”

I was sure Omael would roll his eyes at that, but he only sighed and waved his hand to let Melkyal know he could proceed. Milla took the centre and told everyone about her work and how I supported her all those years trying to keep the kids safe and off the streets.

Then more people came, most of them I met through Milla, and we helped each other in hard times. But seeing them all here, willing to speak up in my defence, made my eyes tear up. A warmth spread through my chest at the thought that I had made a place for myself here, in the Human Realm, despite being a demon.

But at the same time, I had a strong premonition that I was reaching the end of my journey. All I built for all those years would be taken away because I was just a pawn in the game played by the mad gods, who didn’t care for any of us.

My heart raced, and my breath hitched in my throat. The voices became distant, and I was spiralling down inside myself.

It’s time, the voice said. It was exciting and full of anticipation. Let me out, and I’ll finish it all. They have no right to judge us. They don’t care about our reasons. If you don’t act now, they will execute us.

I wanted to protest, but deep down, I knew the voice was right, and we were delaying the inevitable. There was no salvation for someone like me…

I felt a soft touch on my hand, and my consciousness was snapped back to here and now. My inner demon hissed furiously and stirred.

Melkyal had his hand on mine and gave me a reassuring smile. “It won’t be long now. Hold on.” He was a light that pierced the darkness of my desperation every time I slipped. A simple touch and trust in me were enough to make me want to keep fighting, even though I knew all odds were against me.

I smiled weakly. “Just a little bit longer.”

Melkyal let go of my hand and turned back to the High Judge as the last witness finished his statement. “I have one last testimony that I’d like you all to hear. I left this one for the end because it is crucial for showing Raphael Gallagher’s corruption.” He paused for a better effect and turned to the crowd. “I call Buzran, a servant of the Fallen God, for a witness.”

The crowd gasped once again. It was one thing to watch the trial where the demon was accused, but calling the Fallen out in the open to make a statement was unheard of. A Greed Demon sashayed through the plaza, shoulders hunched, hands in his pockets, looking unimpressed by all the attention. Still, the dark eyes were darting toward armoured angels, betraying his nervousness.

I wondered how much Melkyal paid him to make him come here.

“Have you ever conducted business with Raphael Gallagher, Buzran?” Melkyal asked.

“Yes, I did.”

“Tell us about the nature of that business.”

“It was a couple of years ago. The man wanted to have more luck in his ventures. He said he lost a significant amount of money on some failed businesses and needed something to keep his family afloat….”

“That’s slander!” the chubby Gallagher shouted again. “You can’t believe a word that lying abomination is spouting!”

“Silence!” Omael smashed his gavel down. “It’s the last warning. Raise your voice again, and I will have you and the rest of your family removed.”

The nobles gasped, scandalized, but kept their mouths shut this time.

The High Judge looked back at Buzran from under knitted brows. “Continue.”

“So, we made a deal. I ensured the man’s next investments were lucrative.”

“And the price of your assist was?” Melkyal prompted.

“His soul.”

A wave of outrage rippled through the crowd.

“Do you have proof?” Omael asked, narrowing his eyes.

Buzran reached under the flap of his jacket and produced a rolled parchment. “Signed with his own blood.”

The High Judge nodded at Anauel, and she rushed to the demon to look at the scroll. Her face turned solemn while she read, and she quickly nodded to Omael.

“Thank you for your testimony. That would be all,” Melkyal said and bowed his head slightly to the demon. Buzran nodded, put the contract back in his pocket and strolled back to the crowd, whistling an off-key tune.

“As you could all see,” Melkyal continued addressing the crowd, “Raphael Gallagher was a cruel and corrupted man giving into his degenerated urges. He also sold his soul to the Fallen God many years ago to continue living his awful life taking advantage of those weaker than him.” His voice rang loud and clear over the hushed crowd, all eyes set on him. “And that indirectly made him a servant of the Fallen God.”

A few people shouted in agreement while nobles raised their voices in outrage. Melkyal turned to the High Judged and strolled closer to his desk. “How can we call this a breach of the Treaty? Gallagher has already condemned himself to eternal damnation. I would say that him getting killed by a demon is the inside business of the Fallen.”

The Archangel of Wisdom looked at him in silence as if considering. My hope was raised again. Maybe it was not all in vain after all.

But then a spasm went through Omael as if lightning sailed through his body. He closed his eyes. His fist clenched and released, and he rolled his neck as if he were trying to get rid of sudden stiffness. When his lids snapped open again, his lavender eyes were as cold as ever.

“I must say I’m impressed,” he said, and Melkyal took a step back as if he too, felt something was wrong with the Archangel. “It was quite a defence you mustered in a very short time.” He paused, letting the suspenseful silence hang heavily in the air. “Unfortunately, you are wrong.”

So, that was it. My heart sank. It was futile, after all.

“Humans who were foolish enough to sell their souls are condemned to eternal damnation, yes. But they remain mortals, until their bodies die. We can no longer aid or offer them salvation, but they are still human under the law. And you can paint the defendant as a hero all you want, but the truth is, she’s not a valiant protector, but a vigilante.”

The crowd roared in protest, but Omael ignored them and continued, his voice getting stronger and louder with every word. “If we ignore that the demon broke the Treaty because she meant well, it only gives others the precedent to act accordingly. And where will it end? Where would you put a line between good intentions and premeditated murder? Will you be the judge of that?”

I could see clearly how much Melkyal’s back stiffened. He knew it wasn’t going well. Still, he replied, “I do not condone the vigilante acts, sir. But surely, in light of all evidence, the death penalty is a far too harsh punishment for the crime committed protecting innocents. Banishment would be─”

“I did not ask for your recommendation,” Omael interrupted him. “In fact, considering the recent spike of destructive demons’ activities, the Peace Treaty was far too lenient for the Fallen. We must make the necessary adjustments to keep the peace and make all the citizens feel safe again.”

“You do not have the authority to change the Peace Treaty,” a cold and commanding voice announced.

I turned, surprised to see Zurgrun walking out of the crowd, followed by other demons. Even though they all wore glamour, people could feel the power radiating from them. There were many of them, and they did not look like they came here only to talk.

“The Peace Treaty was signed in the presence of two gods so we could stop a war that devastated the Human Realm,” Zurgrun continued. “And you, Archangel of Wisdom, are not the Mighty One, no matter how high you think about yourself.”

Omael slowly got to his feet and smiled, sending creeps over my body. “Oh, you are so wrong. Because the Mighty One is already here.”

A bright light erupted, blinding everyone for a moment, and when I managed to open my eyes again, I couldn’t look straight at Omael. His lavender eyes turned into burning pits of radiance, and no glamour could keep his outstretched purple wings hidden.

“I HAVE ALL THE POWER I NEED TO REFORGE THE PEACE TREATY.” The voice coming out of Omael’s mouth was no longer his. It resonated through my skull as if he was coming from everywhere. I hissed and backed as far as I could in my tiny cage.

The Mighty One had finally decided to make an appearance.

“ON YOUR KNEES.”

Everyone on the plaza, humans, angels and demons alike, fell. It was not a question of obedience. I felt the divine power pushing onto my mind, scattering my thoughts and crushing me until my knees hit the hard ground.

Gods surely didn’t play around.

I looked at Zurgrun and other demons, trying and failing to get up.

“NOW, I BELIEVE WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE PEACE TREATY.” The god snapped his fingers, and a glowing scroll appeared in front of him. “SINCE MY DEAR BROTHER IS STILL TRAPPED IN ANOTHER DIMENSION, WE CAN’T SIGN ANY CHANGES…” He rubbed Omael’s jaw. “OH WELL, IT IS NO LONGER SUITABLE FOR OUR NEEDS.”

The scroll exploded into a ball of flame with a crack, and the glowing parchment turned into black ash.

“How dare you break the Treaty,” Zurgrun growled, slowly getting back to his feet, a dark power gathering around him.

“IT WERE THE FALLEN WHO KEPT BREAKING IT. KEPT FINDING LOOPHOLES AND LEEWAYS TO CORRUPT THE MORTALS. I TOLERATED IT LONG ENOUGH, BUT THAT’S ENOUGH.” The Mighty One’s voice turned to the rumble of the thousand claps of thunder. “YOUR REIGN OF CHAOS IN THE HUMAN REALM IS OVER. I PROCLAIM THE DEMONS, THOSE WHO SHARE THEIR BLOOD, AND ALL MORTALS WHO DABBLE IN DARK MAGIC ARE HEREBY STRIPPED FROM ALL MATERIAL POSSESSIONS AND RIGHTS. YOU ARE ALL TO LEAVE THE CITY BEFORE SUNSET.”

The remaining crowd cowered under the burning eyes of the god, but some brave souls still roared in protest. The Mighty One ignored them.

“IF ANY OF THE FALLEN OR THEIR HUMAN ASSOCIATES WILL BE FOUND IN THE CITY AFTER SUNSET, THEY WILL BE HUNTED AND KILLED WITHOUT MERCY. IF YOU VALUE YOUR MISERABLE LIVES, LEAVE NOW.” The Mighty One turned his burning eyes directly to me. “AND THE MURDERER SHALL BE EXECUTED IMMEDIATELY.”

I felt the raw energy inside Omael. The Mighty One was here, but he still needed a vessel to contain him, which limited his power. By burning the treaty, he finally showed his hand. There were no more illusions, no more pretences, no more compromises. It was the war he wanted, after all.

It was no longer about me and my own life. The new order would mean banishment for all who had demons’ blood. All the innocent children. They would be hunted down like animals with god’s blessing.

I slowly rose to my feet. I always dreaded this moment. I promised myself that I would never let her out again. Not if I wanted to keep the life I worked so hard to make for myself. But now, it was no longer a concern because that life was over anyway. The whole world was ending right here on this plaza.

“Sanna, no!”

I turned to look at Melkyal, still on his knees, struggling to get up and crawling towards me.

I smiled sadly.

“I’m sorry, Melkyal,” I said.

And then, I let go and fell deep into myself.

Letting the Wrath Demon out.