Triel and Belfagel flew swiftly back to the Hall of Virtues, Samael cradled between them. He wept softly, his shoulders trembling as he clutched at Triel's arm, seeking comfort. The radiant skies of Heaven seemed duller somehow, dimmed by the sorrow that hung heavy around them.

Triel's voice was soft yet firm as she murmured to Samael, her words a balm to his bruised spirit. "It's okay, Samael. You don't have to carry this alone. We're here for you."

Belfagel's expression was grim, her focus set on the path ahead. She didn't say much, but her protective presence was palpable, like a shield around Samael.

When they landed at the Hall of Virtues, Plutus and Levia were already waiting at the entrance, their faces lighting up with concern as they saw the group approach.

"What happened?" Plutus asked, his usual jovial tone replaced with worry. His Australian accent slipped through softly as he added, "Samael, mate, you alright?"

Belfagel stepped forward, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. "He's not alright. The seraphim dismissed him—again. Sera didn't defend him—again. He tried to keep the peace, and they humiliated him for it. It was..." She paused, shaking her head. "It was disgraceful."

Levia's soft green eyes widened with concern as she stepped closer to Samael, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Samael, I'm so sorry."

Samael sniffled, leaning into Triel as she rubbed soothing circles on his back. "I just... I just wanted to help," he whispered. "I thought I was doing something good..."

Levia and Plutus exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. "We've got an idea," Plutus said, his tone brightening just a little. "Come on, Samael. Let's get you outta here for a bit."

Triel raised an eyebrow, her antenna-like extensions twitching with curiosity. "What are you two up to?"

"You'll see," Plutus replied with a grin. "Trust us."

He and Levia gently coaxed Samael away, Plutus wrapping an arm around him while Levia held his hand. Triel hesitated, glancing back at Belfagel, who gave her a reassuring nod.

"Go with them," Belfagel said. "I'll handle things here."

As Triel followed Plutus, Levia, and Samael, Belfagel turned to the remaining Virtues, who had gathered in the central chamber. Azazil, Veritas, and Asmodel were already there, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What happened?" Veritas asked, her golden eyes sharp.

Belfagel let out a heavy sigh. "It was worse than we expected. The seraphim were as arrogant as ever, brushing off every suggestion and defending their blatant favoritism toward Adam. Lilith is being overworked while Adam lounges around, and they're justifying it because Adam's more 'compliant.' When Samael tried to mediate, they dismissed him for being young. And Sera..." Belfagel hesitated, her voice tightening with anger. "She stood there and let it happen. She didn't say a word to defend him."

Azazil's serene expression darkened, his usual calm replaced by a rare flicker of frustration. "That is unacceptable. Samael's efforts have been sincere and valuable, and they treat him like a nuisance?"

Veritas crossed her arms, her tail flicking irritably. "This is exactly why I had reservations about the humanity project. The seraphim's pride is blinding them, and now they're creating imbalance in humanity before it's even begun."

Asmodel's voice was calm but cold, his wings shifting slightly. "It's disgraceful. They are supposed to guide humanity, not impose their egos on them. And to belittle Samael, who has done nothing but try to contribute..."

Azazil nodded solemnly. "We've witnessed enough. Their behavior cannot continue unchecked."

Levia's absence was felt keenly, her gentle presence a much-needed counterbalance in times like this. But even without her, the hall was alive with the weight of their shared disappointment and anger.

Belfagel continued, her tone softening slightly. "Triel was furious. She called them out and took Samael out of there before things got worse. I think she did the right thing."

"She always has his back," Asmodel said with a small smile, his voice momentarily lighter.

"We all should," Veritas added. "It's clear that the seraphim won't. Not unless something changes."

The Virtues nodded in agreement, their resolve hardening. While Samael was with Levia and Plutus, the rest of the Virtues began to discuss their next steps. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was clear: the seraphim's unchecked pride would not go unchallenged.

———————————————————————

The gentle sound of trickling water and the soft rustle of feathers greeted Samael as Levia led him, Plutus, and Triel into her sanctuary. The indoor pond was a haven of tranquility, its clear waters shimmering in the celestial light that filtered through the high, arched windows. Ducks of various colors and sizes swam lazily in the water or preened themselves along the edges. The entire space exuded peace, a reflection of Levia's nurturing spirit.

"This is my little oasis," Levia said softly, a warm smile gracing her lips. "It's where I take care of my animals. I thought you might like it here, Samael."

Samael sniffled, still shaken from earlier but visibly calmer in the serene environment. His eyes widened as Levia knelt and gestured toward one of her ducks—a small one with pristine white feathers and an inquisitive expression.

"This little one is Snow," Levia said gently, holding the duck out toward Samael.

Samael hesitated for a moment before reaching out to stroke the duck's soft feathers. A small smile tugged at his lips. "He's... really cute," Samael murmured.

Levia's smile widened. "I'm glad you think so. Let me introduce you to the whole family."

She stood and called softly to the other ducks, who waddled over in response, a line of tiny ducklings trailing behind. Samael's face lit up at the sight of the baby ducks, his earlier sadness melting away as he crouched to watch them toddle around.

"They're adorable!" Samael exclaimed, his voice filled with childlike wonder. He reached out carefully, letting one of the ducklings climb into his hand.

Levia giggled at the sight, her kind heart warmed by Samael's joy. "They seem to like you, Samael."

Plutus, standing nearby, blushed as he watched Levia. Her gentle care and kindness as she introduced Samael to her ducks left him flustered. Triel noticed immediately, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Plutus," she teased in a low voice, nudging him with her elbow. "You've got that look again. Just confess your feelings already."

Plutus turned bright red, waving his hands defensively. "I-I don't know what you're talkin' about, Triel!" he stammered, his Australian accent growing thicker in his flustered state.

"Uh-huh," Triel said, her grin widening. "You're about as subtle as a thunderclap, you know that?"

Plutus groaned, running a hand through his hair as he glanced at Levia, who was now giggling as Samael played with the ducks. "She's just... she's amazin', you know?" he muttered. "But I'm not ready yet. What if it ruins things?"

Triel rolled her eyes but softened her tone. "She'd be lucky to have you, Plutus. But fine, I'll let you chicken out for now."

They fell into a quieter conversation, their eyes occasionally flickering toward Samael, who was now laughing as one of the ducklings tried to nibble at his finger.

Plutus sighed, his earlier blush fading as his expression turned somber. "You know, this thing between Sera and Samael... it's not right."

Triel's playful demeanor disappeared instantly, replaced by a simmering anger. "You're telling me. She's supposed to care about him, but all she does is keep him at arm's length. Samael idolizes her, and she doesn't even see it."

"She cares about him," Plutus said hesitantly, "but not enough. Not enough to break out of her rigid ways and really be there for him."

Triel's fists clenched at her sides. "Care isn't enough, Plutus. Not when she treats him like this. A mother—" She paused, her voice sharp with frustration. "A real mother doesn't let her child feel like they're not good enough. She doesn't let them be humiliated, ignored, or cast aside. Sera is not a mother. Not to Samael. She's anything but."

Plutus looked at her carefully. "You care about him a lot, don't you?"

Triel nodded, her voice softening as she watched Samael. "Someone has to. He needs someone who will actually love and take care of him. He deserves that much."

Plutus smiled faintly, his earlier frustration fading into admiration. "You're good for him, Triel. He's lucky to have you in his corner."

"And he's lucky to have all of us," Triel replied firmly. "We're his family now, Plutus. The family that actually sees him."

Plutus nodded as they both turned their attention back to Samael and Levia. Samael was laughing freely now, his earlier pain replaced with the pure joy of being in the moment. The sight filled both Plutus and Triel with determination. They would stand by Samael's side, no matter what.

———————————————————————

Sera stood at the grand entrance of the Hall of Virtues, her tall, regal form illuminated by the warm light streaming from within. Her expression was calm but resolute, though a faint hint of unease lingered in her eyes as she approached the gates. She had come to speak to Samael, to explain herself, perhaps even to make amends. But as she stepped forward, Belfagel and Veritas blocked her path, their combined presence commanding and unyielding.

"You shouldn't be here, Sera," Belfagel said firmly, her glowing eyes narrowed. "Haven't you done enough?"

Sera's lips pressed into a thin line, her voice steady but tinged with guilt. "I only wish to speak with him. To explain—"

"Explain what?" Veritas interrupted sharply, her golden eyes piercing as they met Sera's. "How you stood by while the seraphim humiliated him? How you refused to defend him, despite knowing how much he looks up to you?"

Sera faltered but remained composed. "I didn't intend to hurt him. My decisions are guided by what I believe is best for Samael, for all of us. He's... not as put together as his siblings. His actions can be erratic, and his behavior—"

"Enough," Asmodel's smooth, authoritative voice cut through the air as he stepped forward, his expression grim. "We all saw him, Sera. Crying, devastated, because the one person he trusts the most wouldn't stand up for him. Do you even understand how much that broke him?"

Azazil, standing beside Asmodel, spoke next, his usual warm demeanor replaced by quiet disappointment. "I thought you were starting to take him seriously. That you were finally seeing him for the archangel he's trying to become. But today, you proved otherwise. He tries so hard, Sera. And yet you dismiss him as if his efforts mean nothing."

Sera's calm façade wavered as she looked between the Virtues, her voice softening. "I care for Samael deeply. I do. But you have to understand, he's not like his siblings. He's... he's still childish. He doesn't think things through, and—"

"Childish?" Belfagel repeated, her voice rising with incredulity. "Childish? He's young, yes, but he's also creative, passionate, and endlessly determined. Do you know how much courage it takes for him to speak his mind, especially when he knows you won't take him seriously?"

Azazil crossed his arms, his golden scales catching the light as he stared at Sera. "What's truly childish, Sera, is holding someone's age or eccentricity against them instead of guiding them with love and patience."

"And what's irresponsible," Veritas added, her tone icy, "is expecting him to grow into a responsible archangel when you constantly undermine him at every turn."

Sera's wings twitched slightly, a rare sign of discomfort. "I only want what's best for him," she insisted.

"Then start acting like it," Belfagel snapped. "Because what you've done so far has only hurt him. And we're not letting you do it again."

Sera looked at the Virtues, her resolve beginning to falter under the weight of their words. "I came here to try to make things right."

"You want to make things right?" Asmodel said, his voice low but cutting. "Then leave him alone. Let him heal. Because right now, your presence will only make things worse."

Azazil stepped forward, his towering form casting a long shadow as he addressed Sera directly. "You're no longer welcome here, Sera. Until you can truly understand what Samael needs and show him the respect he deserves, you have no place in the Hall of Virtues."

Sera's eyes widened, the finality of Azazil's words hitting her like a blow. She opened her mouth to protest but found no words. The Virtues stood united, their resolve unshakable.

"I..." Sera finally whispered, her voice barely audible. She turned slowly, her wings drooping slightly as she began to walk away.

As she left the Hall of Virtues, the doors closed behind her with a resounding echo, sealing her out. Inside, the Virtues exchanged heavy glances, their collective anger and disappointment palpable.

"I hope she learns from this," Veritas said quietly.

"She has to," Azazil replied, his voice weary but resolute. "For Samael's sake."

Belfagel placed a hand on Asmodel's shoulder, her expression softening. "Let's focus on making sure Samael knows he's not alone. That's what matters most right now."

The others nodded in agreement, their thoughts turning to the young archangel who needed their unwavering support more than ever.