Celestia's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Celestia walked the bright halls of the alien castle on Xenith. Its walls glowed pink, gold, and deep blue. She wanted the highest seat in the pantheon, and today she planned her next quiet move. Tiny green mice scurried along the jeweled floor beside her. She fed them crumbs and listened. They were her small spies in every corner of the castle. Then the air split. A glowing orb wrapped in black tendrils dropped before her, casting cold blue light. A butterfly with huge watching eyes fluttered above it. The older god had sent his messenger. The butterfly opened a humming book of swirling light. Its pages spoke the summons aloud. Celestia was called to judgment for reaching too high. She bowed her head, but only a little. "I will come," she said. The orb pulsed and vanished, leaving a burned mark on the bright floor. The quiet game was over. Now she had to face him.