"NOOO!" Before Castyr knew it he was charging at the king who had a smirk on his face. The star fought against Aklys as the demon caught Castyr and held him tightly, stopping him from barging at the king. "Don't you touch him," Castyr growled. The star acted like a feral cat as he clawed at Aklys as he tried to rush at the king. He was furious. There was no way Castyr would allow the king to touch Ilios.

One of the young demons stepped in front of the star and punched Castyr in the gut. The star let out a grunt as the demon then struck him across the face. Determined to have Castyr release his hold, the guard continued beating the star until he let go of Aklys. Aklys was careful to gently bring Castyr to the floor before restraining the star's hands behind his back.

"Stop!" Aklys growled at the demon harshly who was about to punish Castyr more for harming the general. Blood trailed down the star's temple and filled Castyr's mouth as the younger demon backed away upon Aklys' growl.

Castyr spit out a mouthful of blood as the king snarled evilly, "Does our star know the infamous Ilios?" Castyr hissed at the man in response, the metallic taste of blood vivid in his mouth.

"Hmm. We shall have to use this to our advantage. Take him away while I engineer a plan." The king waved his hand as if the four were pests flying around him. Seeing the signal for dismissal, Aklys carefully brought Castyr to his feet and shot his officer a glare as he turned the star around. The demon general remained close to the star as he escorted Castyr back to the hall lined with cells, not letting anything or anyone touch the star.

Aklys lowered his head as he brought Castyr to stand before the angel. Orion looked as if he would pop a vein when he observed the star's bloody face.

"Don't worry. It wasn't Aklys," Castyr said immediately as he left Aklys' side and walked into the cell.

"The king?!" Orion questioned with shock as if to say 'the king would not hurt his most prized possession, would he?'

"No. One of Aklys' soldiers," Castyr explained as he wiped away the blood trailing from his mouth.

The star's response infuriated the angel. Orion swiveled around to glare at the three demons standing just outside the cell. "Control your men!" The angel said angrily to the demon general, making the young officer shrink back. Orion glared a hole into the perpetrator for a good minute before turning to Castyr and gently saying, "Let's get you healed up, huh?"

Castyr nodded in response as Orion had the star sit down before snapping at the three demons standing awkwardly and apologetically in front of the cage. "Leave. I don't want to see your faces for a while."

Aklys took one more longing look at the angel before following after his men, who were already scampering up the stairs.

"You know how to handle demons," Castyr complimented the strong angel who was hovering over him like a mother duck.

"Mmm. It comes with lots of experience."

"How long have you been stuck here?" The star inquired as Orion began healing him.

The angel looked up in thought as he counted the years. "Just know it was long before you came in the star shower.

Castyr nodded in understanding. "That's a long time."

"Mm-hmm."

"At least you weren't lonely."

"Yes, that is true."

"Kilo was here all alone." Castyr's heart ached as he pictured Kilo lying in a cage cold and all alone.

"Kilo...Is he your guardian?" Orion assumed as he moved from the gash on Castyr's forehead to the bruise forming on the star's cheek.

A smile came to Castyr's lips as he nodded in confirmation.

"Have you two bonded?" The angel inquired further.

Castyr nodded happily, unafraid to declare his relationship with Kilo.

"Then you can link each other. Have you kept in touch?"

"Yes," Castyr said in response. "If it wasn't for the link, I don't know what I would do."

"Mm. I understand," Orion commented as he finished healing Castyr's smaller wounds. "It can get lonely on your own."

Castyr nodded as he wiped away the excess blood. Orion came to sit next to the star as Castyr observed the prisoner who was being held two cages down. "Why is he here?" The star inquired as he pointed at the slender form curled up in a corner of his cell.

The angel followed the star's gaze and sighed when he saw it landing on the dark-haired prisoner. "He fell in love."

Orion's answer confused Castyr. "What? Then why is he here?"

Orion looked at the sleeping form with a sad expression before explaining, "Demons are not allowed to fall in love. The king thinks it makes them weak."

"He's a demon?!" Castyr exclaimed quietly to not disturb the prisoner. I mean, I can see it. Even though he is slender from lack of food and nutrients, one can tell he is rather tall. "Wait, I thought demons can't fall in love," the star said in confusion. The only demon I have ever heard fall in love was the demon who mated with an angel and made Denzyl's kind...oh, and Aklys. Boy, that demon is whipped! Well, Denzyl is too!

"No, they can fall in love, but it is very hard for them to. They are raised being taught that emotions and love are weaknesses. Plus, it is extremely rare."

"Oh. Do you know who he fell in love with?"

"Not really. I just know it was another demon."

"Another demon?"

Orion nodded as he looked at the prisoner. "I'm pretty sure the other demon is being forced to do things he/she doesn't want to do to keep him alive."

"Like Aklys." It was more of a thought, but it somehow managed to escape the star's lips in a whisper. Orion hung his head as a single tear fell. Castyr pursed his lips as he realized he had hit a sensitive spot. The star immediately shut his mouth and mentally slapped himself for being careless and insensitive.

Orion and Castyr continued to sit in silence as the exhausted prisoner continued to sleep curled up in his most defensive position.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

Hmmm. I've missed you. Castyr told his angel through the link as he rested against the side of his cell. Orion was already asleep, and the dungeons were pitch black except for two torches that lit the entry point.

I've missed you, too. Kilo responded. Castyr immediately relaxed when he heard his angel's deep voice in his mind. How are you? You were in pain earlier. Kilo's voice was filled with concern as he inquired about the star's condition.

I'm okay. Castyr replied after a breath. The star closed his eyes as he soaked in Kilo's presence, diluted as it was, only for them to snap back open. Kilo! The star exclaimed as he sat up straight against the bars of the cell.

What is it, Love? Kilo's tone became more alert as he sensed the urgency in his star's voice.

You have to warn Ilios! Castyr relayed quickly.

What do you mean? What's wrong?

The king of Hades sent Aklys to hunt down Ilios. It is the only way Orion can live. Aklys has to trade Ilios for Orion's life.

Why does the king want Ilios? Kilo inquired as he processed the information.

Ilios took the transport tower from the king. He wants revenge.

Silence followed as Kilo put the pieces together. So, Aklys has left Hades. The angel concluded after a moment.

I am sure he is on his way to Heaven right now. Is there a way you can warn Ilios?

Don't worry, Ilios is here. Kilo informed the star, his remaining calm.

A second passed before Castyr responded. He's there with you? On Earth?

Yes. Rae, his partner, was transferred to Earth by Orion, so Ilios came to Daedoeshi.

Castyr took a breath as he mulled over the information. A lot had happened during the past two days. So Rae is back, and Orion saved him?

Mm-hmm. He really is something.

Wait...I hadn't told you the angel's name, yet. How did you know he is Orion? The star's brows furrowed in confusion when he did not recall telling Kilo the angel's name as he had learned it not long ago.

I put two and two together from what you told me earlier. Orion is the only silver-winged angel to go missing and remain unfound.

Ahhh. Castyr's head nodded as he voiced his understanding. Even though the entire conversation was happening in his mind, the star was still a quite an expressive being.

How is Orion by the way? Kilo inquired about the silver-winged angel's state.

Castyr understood what Kilo meant by his question. The star now knew why Orion was nearly dead when he first saw him. Don't worry. I am taking care of him. Castyr answered softly. He saved you, so I promised myself that I would look after him. It's the least I could do.

Kilo's heart swelled at the star's response, and he realized just how much he missed his star. I love you.

Castyr found himself melting from Kilo's entrancing voice. I love you, too. The star managed to say those four, short words before tears began streaming down his face. I miss you so much! I-I miss you, Kilo!

I miss you, too. So much. Kilo responded as his heart ached. He hated hearing his star cry, especially when he could not be there to hold him. Castyr had not realized how much he had been shoving down the past few days until he realized just how much he missed his angel. Castyr would have cried into the night if it was not for Kilo's next words. It's going to be okay. I'm coming for you. I'll get you out of there, okay?

Castyr nodded against the side of his cell as he took a few deep breaths to steady himself. I know. I know you're doing everything you can. The sound of the door at the height of the flight of steps opening drew the star's attention to the torch-lit entrance.

Hold on until I get there, okay? Kilo said as he could tell Castyr suddenly became nervous.

I will. I'll be waiting. Castyr replied as he saw a group of demons begin descending the steps. I gotta go, Kilo. They're here.

Stay safe, Love. Please, hold on. I love you.

I love you. Castyr cut the link as soon as he bid Kilo goodbye. He did not want Kilo to feel any pain because of him.

Orion had opened his eyes and was on high alert by the time the demons had reached the floor. The angel and star stood to their feet as the demons came to stand in front of their cell. Orion came to stand in front of Castyr as the leading demon unlocked the door to their cell and entered. An evil smirk covered the demon's face as he gestured for his four subordinates to enter. Castyr's body tensed as he prepared for what was to come.

<<<<<<<>>>>>>>

The stars shone brightly as Kilo lied awake on the bed. He was restless. He wanted Castyr out of that dark, pain-filled place and in his arms as soon as possible. He wanted to be able to bury his nose in his star's neck and know only him. He longed to get lost in those star-filled eyes. He wanted to storm Hades and save Castyr from its torments. But he had to wait. He must wait until the right moment. Their brilliant, mad plan held too many risks. If Kilo acted now, he could lose Castyr forever.

The angel was alert as he lied on his back and stared up at the ceiling. Tonight was the night that their plan would finally begin. Everyone in the penthouse had spent the entire day preparing for the start of the rescue mission. Kilo released a deep breath as he decided to close his eyes. There was no way he could fall asleep, but he decided to at least try to rest before the plan began. It was at the moment that the angel closed his eyes, however, that Castyr's voice rang in his head. Kilo!

Kilo's eyes snapped open as he sat up in the bed. Castyr? What's wrong? Silence answered the angel as he tried to reach his star.

After a few moments, Castyr finally responded. I-I-I- can't heal him. He won't wake up. Why isn't he healing? The star's voice was quivering and filled with fear. What do I do?

Babe, what's wrong? Who isn't healing? Is it Orion?

The link between the angel and star began to waver and cut in and out as Castyr began to fret over the man in his lap.

Why- isn't he- healing? What is- going- on? Kilo could barely make out Castyr's words as the link threatened to disconnect.

Are you okay? Castyr? Castyr, are you hurt? Kilo's heart broke as he heard the star's frantic cries. Castyr was experiencing something horrific, and Kilo was helpless to save him. The angel grit his teeth as he hated being so far from his star and unable to do anything while Castyr was in pain. Kilo's purple eyes glowed in the night with strong determination as he promised himself that he would do everything in his might to save his star. That's it! I cannot wait any longer! I am coming to get you out.