"I know it's a lot to take in, but it's important that you, every one of us, know who we are," Michael said after retelling the story that my mom had shared with me a few days ago.

"You're brother, Nick, he is going to be part of the council once he's ready," Rafail added. I glanced at him and then turned my gaze to my father.

"What do you mean? What council?" I asked, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. Papa didn't respond, and I heard Michael answer me instead.

"A council that has been established for a very long time—Circulus De Sangre Real. We are tasked with keeping our bloodline a secret and safe," he said, his gaze intense.

"Safe? From what? From who?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Arwen, our bloodline is somewhat forbidden to exist. Azrael and other angels who bear children with humans are frowned upon," my father explained. "A long time ago, we were hunted and killed. That's why our family is the sole survivor of Azrael's bloodline—my father's parents, grandparents, and siblings are all gone."

I looked at him, startled. I remembered asking my grandfather about his family and receiving only a simple answer that they were all gone. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now it made sense.

"I have a question," I said, looking at Michael and Rafail. They both looked at me, waiting. "Are you two the same as us? I mean, are you also from a bloodline of some angels?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities. Could they be descendants of Archangel Michael and Raphael? My eyes widened at the thought.

Michael smirked, and Rafail cleared his throat, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Arwen..." I heard Papa say, holding my hand. I looked at him, seeking reassurance.

"Sorry to disappoint you," Michael said, smiling at me with a hint of amusement in his blue eyes. His gaze was captivating, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

"They are Nephilim, like us. However, they are descendants of 'some picked' warriors or archangels who were allowed to roam Earth to ensure the balance," Father said seriously.

"So... You're not from the bloodline of Archangel Michael and Raphael?" I asked both of them. They both smiled, and Rafail even chuckled.

"No, we are not. Our parents just named us after them," Michael said, his smile telling me that there was more to the story than he was letting on.

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I nodded, trying to calm myself. Michael's intense stare made my breathing hitch a bit.

"So... When you said that their bloodline was allowed here on Earth, does that mean that Azrael was not?" I asked, curious if Azrael was considered a fallen angel.

"Azrael is the angel of death, and no, my dear, he has not fallen. As far as I know, he has resumed his job," Father said.

"The reason why your bloodline had to be kept secret and was hunted before is because of the 'blade,'" Rafail said.

"Blade?" I asked, intrigued.

"The Blade of Death," Rafail clarified.

"Oh... Is it like the one that was mentioned in Lucifer?" I asked.

"Lucifer?" Michael asked, looking puzzled.

"Erm... Yeah," I said, smiling a little and scratching my head. "It's a series I've watched on Netflix," I added.

"A series?" Michael asked, leaning back in his chair.

I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it was mentioned that the Blade is a weapon that can kill celestial beings, angels included, and even gods."

All three of them listened intently as I spoke.

"According to the series, Azrael hides the blade here on Earth, among humans," I said, my eyes widening as I looked at my father.

"Papa?" I asked him, unsure of what more to add.

Michael cleared his throat to get my attention. "Hmm... Well, you can say something like that. But to be honest, we don't know the 'key' or how your bloodline will help in finding the blade. Of course, aside from the fact that you are all from one bloodline, only Azrael would know."

I stood up and walked toward the table, gazing at Michael. "So... Are you saying that our family—no, not just my family, but our entire ancestors—were hunted and killed by god knows who, and they don't even know how we fit into all this... craziness?"

"Unfortunately, yes. That's why Azrael's bloodline was brutally hunted. They were tortured, hypnotized, and subjected to experiments that ended with no answers, up to this very moment," Rafail added.

"Experiments?" I whispered, feeling a shiver run down my spine.

"Yes, Arwen. They did horrible things. Only God knows up to what extent," my father said, his voice heavy with sadness.

I looked at him, my heart aching for my family and my Papa's lost relatives. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the weight of their suffering.

"During those times, the council failed to protect them. I must say they were good at hiding," Michael said.

"But not good enough, I guess," I added sadly while playing with my bracelet.

I felt Michael walk beside me. "That's why you, your family, I, and all the members of the council, along with our families, share the same bond as yours," Michael said. I looked at him with questions in my eyes. He smiled and gestured to a ring he was wearing—a simple silver band with a lone gem.

My eyes widened with realization. So all of this is real.

I slowly touched my bracelet and gazed at my Papa, who smiled gently at me.

"That's why you must always keep that close to you," Rafail added, his smile reassuring.

The truth was overwhelming, but it was clear now: our family's legacy was not just a story—it was a profound, hidden reality that demanded both caution and courage.