Erela stared in wonder at the angel who had saved her. Divine intervention. She couldn't help but sag in relief.
"Angels aren't real," growled the king. He shoved back the hood of his robe. "It's a trick. Something she planned to escape punishment." He jabbed a thick finger in Erela's direction.
"Not real?" The laughter was contagious. And mocking. "Really, Marduk. I think you've lied quite enough. Sit down." The angel didn't even have to point, the king was slammed into a seat. The angel spread her hands, the deep sleeves of her white robe hanging gossamer-thin. She glowed with an inner light. "Children of the realms, my name is Raphaella. I am the voice that guides you when you are lost. The sanity that prevails. The maker of laws. Here to ensure you return to the righteous path."