The authority laced within his words startled the boy, causing him to affix his wings back into a position where he was effectively blind. Not wanting to invite more of the King's ire to fall upon him.
"Pola, his appearance was a shock to me also, but I don't appreciate you using your authority against him," said Luna, her lips twitching into a frown.
The many advisors and guards within the room fidgeted nervously, unsettled by the two powerhouses squabbling.
"He was able to withstand it, though, impressive. Boy, what is your name?"
"Ratella Evergarden, sir."
"Evergarden, huh. Well, it's nice to meet the new Seraphim."
"Thank you, my lord."
Ratella straightened up under Pola's scrutinous gaze and that of his many advisors.
"Please call me Pola. If you truly are a Seraphim, you rank higher than me in the choir, meaning I should be the one using honorifics."
"I will not, sir. I must stay respectful in the presence of a Dominion."
Ratella remembered the warning Luna gave him, deeming his situation to be nothing more than a test from the Star King.
"I'll respect your decision, Ratella Evergarden, but you could at least uncover your eyes. I believe you've already uncovered them in my presence, so there is no need for continuing to cover them."
His attitude confused the boy, and many questions raced through his head. He didn't see the request as malicious. As he was about to uncover his eyes, he felt a shiver dance along his spine, followed by a low burning sensation.
"I will not reveal my eyes," declared Ratella, putting his foot down. The weird sensation he felt was the main reason for his decision. Whether it was a warning from Luna or an effect of Pola's power will remain a mystery for now.
"Mhm, you have a backbone then. You are quite intelligent for someone your age."
Ratella said nothing in the face of the man's compliment, which was laced with disappointment. She saw it as not genuine. This silence incurred the wrathful gazes of some of his most devoted followers, but because Ratella lacked sight, their effects were offset.
"You will thank his majesty for his kind words!" shouted an unknown man positioned next to Pola, in the direction it came from. Ratella turned to face the noise, remaining impartial and silent. His mouth was forever set into a straight smile, displaying no emotion.
"Silence."
Luna also stayed impartial, awaiting Pola's next words as his face twisted into one of curiosity after reprimanding his subordinate.
"A new Seraphim in my dominion, how odd. Where did you find the boy?"
"After an order from the Seraphic Imperator, I went to a village in Nova. I swiftly purged all traitorous roots festering within. I slew one of the three harbingers of unrest staying in the village. Then, I came across Ratella."
"I do remember that order passing through my desk, but I didn't remember it detailing a purge."
"Then you must have read it wrong, as you know all traitors must be removed. Unless you are saying you emphasise with them?"
Luna's head turned to meet his gaze, her covered eyes locking with his. The tension between the two boiled over as the man's eye twitched with annoyance at the woman's hurtful words.
"Of course not. As you said, the seeds of unrest must be removed. Tell me, what did you come here to request?" Pola said. His face drifted into annoyance, and his patience waned in the presence of Luna.
"Under the choir's song string 21, I must ask a Dominion Ruler to remove a citizen from their dominion."
"You have my permission. I have no need for a Seraphim-class angel at the moment. The frontlines are holding strong, fortunately."
"Thank you," said Luna, bowing slightly to the man.
Ratella mimicked her action, showing his appreciation, but he really wanted to leave this place at once, away from Pola and his unpleasant followers.
"Tell me where you intend on taking the boy?" asked Pola, looking down at the woman.
"To the home of the Seraphim, Divination Rest."
"I see. Well then, good luck, Ratella Evergarden."
With his ominous goodbye, the two swiftly exited the throne back into the plaza of the palace where they had just landed.
"Can I uncover my eyes now?"
"No, he's still watching us."
"Why does it matter, though?"
"Pola has the ability to influence the minds of people he locks eyes with and read all their memories and thoughts. Those eyes attached to the towers are extensions of his power, although not able to read minds effectively, just watching and grasping people's intentions."
"Can he read your mind?"
"Of course not, his mind would explode with the aeons of data held within."
"Why do you cover your eyes then?"
"It's just what I've always done. My senses make up for my lack of vision."
"Oh, okay."
"What did you think of Pola?"
"He is rather unpleasant, to be honest."
"Yes, I completely loathe the man if his execution order is passed down. I will not flinch when taking his life. The way he capitalises on people's desire and insecurity is disgusting; his face makes me want to empty my stomach every time I see him."
Luna's face twisted with blatant aversion when she spoke of the man; her opinion of him was shaped by many years of knowing his twisted mind.
"Don't you think that's not very angelic of you to think?"
"Like he's any better than me, although not fallen, he often borders upon descending."
Ratella was slightly unnerved by the conversation, not wanting to continue the slander on Pola.
"Let us drop this conversation; we need to go to Divination Rest," stated Luna, apparently reading the boy's mind and discontinuing the conversation rather formally.
"So how do we get there?"
"We'll just teleport, it's a long flight even for me at full speed, and I doubt you could stomach the ride anyway."
"Huh, where exactly are we going?" asked Ratella. He had never once heard of the place, and its location still remained a mystery.
"Its location is high in the stars overlooking the whole earth. Lying on the border between the atmosphere and space. Air is scarce up there, hence why I thought it to be a bad idea to fly."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best," stated Ratella, slightly dazed at the woman's words. Never had he thought his apprenticeship would involve dancing on the border between space.
"Well then, let us go," declared Luna, pulling the boy closer towards her.
Ratella huddled next to her, awaiting whatever sorcery she would employ.
"Edict of Space, heed my call," shouted Luna. A pure divine light burst forward from the mark on her left hand.
Its design is complex, resembling a constellation of entwined stars and planets. One of the planets on her arm shifted, marking the start of their trip.