Several harsh knocks hit the door from the outside. “Raphael Azelys, come out!”

Raphael opened the lid of a wooden box attached to the wall, revealing the end of a metal pipe, horizontally aligned with the ground. They led outside and all the way to the bridge, while buried in soil, rocks, and vegetation. Inside this pipe was a generously poured line of gunpowder. He lit a match and started a pathway of sparks.

“You are to be taken to Alirie and executed at Judgment Mountain,” the woman said loud and clear. “If you resist, your execution will be immediate.”

Raphael rose to his feet and put on the backpack. He spared a few moments for a last glance at the interior of the cabin. He built this place, together with the man he loved, and he spent the happiest years of his life here. No matter where life led him now, he would never forget it.

Raphael opened the door, and a dozen rifles aimed at him in a crescent shape. This was one of the elite guardian platoons that investigated the most dangerous criminals in the world, led by archangel Remiel. Raphael had exchanged a few words with her years ago, back when he was a prince, and she was a newbie in the guardian police force.

It was impressive that she climbed the ranks at such a young age. She couldn’t be more than thirty years old. And she specialized in such a hectic and demanding branch. Most guardians patrolled the city streets and took bribes from the locals. But she led the squad that found two enemies of Heaven. She must already be picturing a parade in her honor back in Alirie.

Dante stood in silence on the side, looking at his lover with a blank face. Raphael spared him a glance, before raising his arms in surrender. “Well, you found me. Aren’t you proud of yourself?”

“Your honeymoon is over, Your Highness,” Remiel said.

“Don’t call me that,” Raphael smirked. “I worked hard to lose the title.”

The howl of the wind vanished in an instant, as though the mountain held his breath. Then, a brutal explosion deafened the vicinity and shook the stone pillar they stood on. The shockwave shoved the guardians on their knees. They glanced back and saw the bridge they came from was utterly destroyed. The only way off this colossal rock pillar was gone.

Meanwhile, Dante and Raphael dashed for the edge of the cliff.

“Open fire!” Remiel shouted.

The guardians scrambled to their feet, but by the time a hail of bullets came their way, Raphael and Dante were already over the edge in free fall. The height over the river valley was petrifying, and every fiber of Raphael’s being screamed in terror in the face of certain death.

Dante’s wings pierced through his clothes and spread majestically to the sides, just in time for Raphael to drop on his back. He wrapped his arms and legs around his demon lover and left the rest in his capable hands. Their fall carried on for a few more terrifying seconds when his demon made a graceful downward arch. With a powerful flap and skillful navigation, Dante led them far away from the stone column.

Distant gunshots sounded behind Raphael’s back, growing quieter and less threatening in mere seconds. His heart slammed against his chest, shaking off the shock. He was shaking all over, as he held tightly onto his lover, his eternal savior.