Morning had come quicker than Auriel anticipated, but still, once Arcos awoke, she was reminded of a trait that she had first come to know about by Tyrael. The moment the sound of a growl emitted from his stomach, she watched in pure wonder as he all of a sudden seemed to curl himself slightly together to cover it with his arms, purposefully making himself as small as possible under her curious gaze.

Something that merely caused her to stare, for he also kept his face away from her watchful gaze even as he hesitantly pulled away from her lap, instead, he was reaching his hand into a small bag that he had strapped around his waist.

He retrieved a small and dried piece of meat, from what she could discern from its smell, and yet, he regarded it for a long moment as if a sudden thought occurred in his mind. The moment he finally returned her gaze again, she witnessed as he hesitantly offered it to her, causing her to tilt her head slightly in amusement, albeit she found it most endearing.

"I have no need for any food, but please, don't hesitate to enjoy your meal in my presence. I should have realized a lot sooner that you need to eat, forgive me.", indeed, it was something she would have to think about in the future. On the other hand, unbeknownst to her, Arcos once again felt a small wave of embarrassment coursing through him. If she had no need for sleep, then he could have guessed that she had no need for any food either…

… in the end, he merely chose to remain quiet, intent to avoid embarrassing himself any further, even though he was purely overthinking it. For Auriel was entirely content, subtly glancing at him from time to time to memorize what kind of preferences he had when it came to this subject. She recalled from Tyrael's recollections that he had a lot of difficulties to adapt to this new kind of concept…

Several moments of comfortable silence passed between the two of them, moments in which Auriel silently pondered about something very important to her and how she could subtly shift his attention towards the subject in her mind. Until she finally found her courage and her voice broke the silence once again.

"The view that offers itself to me here never ceases to calm my mind, as well as to bring me joy… and yet, I don't believe I will ever be able to look at it in the same way that I always used to.", she could feel his eyes upon her once she spoke these words, and she internally braced herself for what she was about to offer him.

"What do you mean?"

"If I were to ask you whether or not you would consider staying by my side within the High Heavens, would you accept it?", Arcos was momentarily taken aback by her sudden offer, until the full meaning of her words finally seeped in.

To stay… within the Heavens for the rest of his life…?

"I… I don't want to burden you. Many Angels would never accept my presence here, and Imperius-", he was rendered silent the moment Auriel gently placed a gauntlet against his cheek and leaned in closer towards himself, earning her gasp.

"I won't allow anyone to harm you… not even Imperius.", her voice was a mere whisper that caused a shudder to course through him once her hood graced his ear. And suddenly, he found himself at a loss for words.

For all she had done for him, she was now asking him to grant her this single wish. And even as no words left his mouth, his eyes wandering to her hand as he traced a single finger along his cheek…

… she knew that she had him right on the edge.

Tyrael slowly pushed the large double door open that led into the Angiris council chamber, but the moment he did, he witnessed how both Imperius and Itherael were already present, and the splint of the Black Soulstone was pulsating in the very center of the chamber.

"It is changing shape again.", Itherael observed quietly as the little object changed its form, all while Tyrael cautiously approached as well. However, once it was finished, Imperius took a step forward and bent down slightly, inspecting the small shard more closely. It was radiating an aura, one that could be felt despite the fact that it was only a small part of the rest of the Soulstone. And it didn't take long for all three of them to realize what the purpose of it was.

"It is even more horrific than I would have ever dared to imagine.", Tyrael was the first to voice his thoughts aloud, his eyes blankly staring at the dark splint.

"It is certain to assume that Malthael is pursuing the death of every living being that is carrying even the slightest amount of demonic essence within them.", finishing Tyrael's train of thought, Itherael glanced slightly at Imperius out of the corner of his vision, feeling the tension that was undoubtedly beginning to arise as the Archangel of Valor merely remained quiet. At least, until he suddenly turned his back towards the both of them, gazing outside one of the crystalline glasses.

"You have brought the Nephalem here as well, haven't you?", knowing that it was directed at him, Tyrael couldn't refrain from furrowing his brows ever so slightly as he took a step forward, intent to voice his thoughts.

"Malthael is allowing his servants to slaughter any living being within Sanctuary in his name, and thus, the Nephalem only has a right to try and pursue him, even if you don't want to help him.", however, he also knew that Imperius was not yet aware of the fact that it was Auriel who had seeked Arcos out, and neither did he know what he was for her. Tyrael was certain that, if Imperius came to know about it sooner or later, Auriel would defend Arcos in any way she could. Which made it all the more important that he showed his own stance regarding the Nephalem as well.

"... if Malthael is now truly planning to eradicate all of humanity, then I believe granting the Nephalem a safe passage towards the fields of Pandemonium is the least we can do.", but still, Tyrael was more than surprised the moment he heard Itherael clearly stating his position on the matter as well, for he would usually remain passive if it concerned the mortal realm. Had he changed his view…?

But the situation was clear, if both of them were on the Nephalem's side, and it was obvious that Auriel's view didn't differ from their own… then all of the odds were standing against Imperius, a fact that he was more than aware of. And yet, he remained silent for a long moment, the prolonged silence causing far more tension to arise than a heated debate that would normally occur.

"... you are already defending him despite the fact that I haven't said anything yet.", his tone was laced with the same kind of irritation that was evident in every single debate he had with Tyrael, and still, he kept it relatively calm, his form still unmoving. Unsure of the situation, both Tyrael and Itherael glanced at each other for a brief second before Imperius suddenly shifted his gaze to the ground.

"It doesn't bother me if Malthael wants to eradicate his kind. But if he so desperately wants to pursue him, then so be it. For the sake of my own brother who has been taken by madness, I won't stop the Nephalem, but don't expect me to bid him a warm welcome.", and with that, Imperius vanished in a bright light, leaving the Aspect of Justice and Fate alone.

"It almost seemed as though he was giving it a second thought.", Tyrael stared at the empty space where Imperius had been standing a mere moment ago, his thoughts beginning to wander.

"I don't believe that his ire is directed purely at the Nephalem. As is his duty, he wishes for nothing more than to protect the Heavens, and the potential of humankind to choose between good and evil does not make it lightly for him. He sees a threat that is too much of a risk for him, but on the other hand, the Nephalem must have made an impact on him, too."

"Yet, you seem as though something is troubling you as well.", upon hearing Tyrael's remark, Itherael merely shifted his gaze to the ground.

"... it concerns the nature of the bond Auriel has forged with the Nephalem.", the sudden shift in topic caused no small amount of surprise to show upon Tyrael's expression, but he was quick to speak his mind in that regard, suspecting what it was that his brother might be concerned about.

"You shouldn't fear that her position might be called into question in time. Regardless of who may stake their claim that she should not have done so, there are many who either respect or even support her choice. And in the end, all who may doubt it will be forced to acknowledge that it is solely her own decision to make, even Imperius-"

"That was not what I am concerned about.", Itherael only chose to interrupt his brother after a long moment, albeit reluctantly, for he did not favor such a bold way. But he knew that Tyrael was not yet seeing the main concern that was lingering in his mind.

"Far from it, should voices ever be heard that Auriel has made the wrong decision, then I will do my part to ensure that these voices may never grow louder and to speak on the behalf of the Nephalem for everything he has done for our kind in whole. No, what I am concerned about is the nature of their bond itself.", Itherael witnessed the way his brother raised an eyebrow, not needing to speak a word to state his mild confusion. Thus, Itherael glanced outside of one of the crystalline glasses, gazing at the ever shining light that was illuminating the entirety of the Heavens.

"You have witnessed the way that bond runs deeper than what may meet your gaze. And even if I do not want to speak of it aloud… the Nephalem provides a vulnerability for Auriel herself. She would do anything to ensure that he belonged safely at her side, should he ever fall into the hands of darkness, or be corrupted by the forces of evil, I shudder to think what would become of her. Or what she may choose to do…"

"I place my utmost faith in the both of them, we should not overthink the future. Should the day ever come where Evil returns, then it will be them who will shine as a beacon of light for us all. As long as they are together, I see no reason to fear the future."

Even as Tyrael took his leave, Itherael prayed that this day would never come. Everything that happens in the future lies within the hands of destiny...

And yet, the scrolls of the Nephalem remained unwritten.

The Brutal Legend: I guess if I started to write a 'normal' romance all of sudden, then that story wouldn't truly be from me. With that said, I love the tinge of drama as well, and it has always found one way or another into the plot…

Regardless, on a whole other note, I am immensely grateful that you have taken the time to read through the wiki as well alongside with the story, that is not something to be taken for granted. And witnessing the way you always take the time to reflect upon every single chapter, as well as the kind words you always provide, I… truthfully find myself unable to properly express my appreciation for it as time goes by (I have no shame to admit that I have been pondering for many hours how I could at least try). Thus, I, in turn, am very grateful for your kind and encouraging words.

AngelicWisdom: What I can already say is that these effects will show themselves sooner or later, and perhaps some of them are more subtle than others. As for the loot, I actually did just finally get what I wanted. After hours upon hours of farming I finally got the Skycutter sword, even if it was for the visuals only, so I thank you for the luck.

With that said, I hope you all enjoyed! If you like, I'd be very interested in what you think about Diablo 2 Resurrected, for I have always wanted to see a remaster to the old titles since I have never played them before.