The air still shimmered with the afterglow of an Extermination. Adam strolled along Heaven's alabaster overlook, wings loose, grin easy. Below, Exorcists tended wounds and counted kills. Lute had earned his praise this time.

The slaughter still sang in his bones. Leaning on the railing, he admired Heaven's gleaming perfection. Humanity's legacy. His legacy. The debrief would come soon—Sera's lectures, his inevitable disregard. Same dance as always.

Footsteps sounded behind him. Not fearful. Interesting.

Adam didn't turn immediately, letting the silence linger before glancing over his shoulder, amusement gleaming in his eyes.

“If you're here to complain, save it. If you're here to praise me...” He spread his wings wide with a smirk. “By all means. Go ahead.”