Unmade Chapter 18: Chapter 18: a divine beast

Read chapter 18 of Unmade by churro on NovelPedia.

Vale looked curiously at the angelic being, his pale white eyes steady and expectant, waiting for an answer. The being stood there grinning wide, gleaming, almost unnervingly human in its excitement. Finally, after a long pause, the angelic figure spoke. “The favor,” he said brightly, “is simple.” A faint shimmer passed through the mist around them, as if the realm itself leaned closer to listen. “Take care of my child.” Vale blinked. For a heartbeat, his mind froze, as though the words themselves refused to make sense. “You… want me to what?” His voice came out sharper than he intended. “Hold on, why can’t you take care of it yourself?” The angelic being tilted his head, still smiling with that disarmingly cheerful expression. There was genuine joy radiating from him now, so different from the solemn tone he’d carried before. “Ah, yes, that’s the exciting part!” he said, almost giddy. “You see, I’ve finally managed to create a child of my own, the first of my kind to ever do so! Can you imagine it? The very first child born from our existence.” He laughed softly, a sound that echoed through the mist like music played through a dying star. For a brief moment, all traces of sorrow vanished from him; he looked almost radiant. Then his tone softened, carrying a thread of regret. “But… unfortunately, my duties have become quite demanding. I’ve been called elsewhere, there’s simply too much that requires my attention.” He sighed, and though his voice remained smooth, something about the way he looked at the blood-red sea suggested longing. “I cannot care for the child myself. Not yet.” Vale’s brows furrowed. He crossed his arms, studying the figure. “I see… but why me?” he asked cautiously. “I mean, no offense, but if your child is anything like you, wouldn’t it try to kill me?” It was an honest question, though Vale’s tone carried a hint of awkwardness. To his surprise, the angelic figure laughed a full, bright laugh that shimmered through the dark mist. “Oh, how marvelous!” he said, his grin widening. “That’s what makes this so fascinating, you see. My child will not be like me. It will be born a divine beast, a being of pure order, untouched by the chaos that defines my kind.” There was a spark of pride in his words, an almost parental reverence. “And as for why I chose you… well,” he said, his expression turning sly, “I had planned to entrust my child to my old friend. But after witnessing your bond with his creations, I changed my mind.” Vale blinked, unsure what to make of that. “His creations?” “Yes,” the angel said, amused. “Those little ones that cling to you, the cat, the lizard, the centipede. They were made by my friend, and yet they’ve chosen you over as their favorite. Quite remarkable, really. I suspect my child will take after them in more ways than one.” Vale glanced briefly at the creatures resting on his shoulders, the cat’s fur glowing faintly, the lizard’s eyes reflecting the light, the centipede curled calmly around his neck. They seemed to listen, as if understanding the weight of what was being discussed. After a long silence, Vale sighed. “Well… I suppose I can do it then. But if I’m already being protected as your child’s caretaker, I’d rather ask for something else as my favor.” The angelic figure’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “Oh?” he asked, his voice suddenly playful. “And what might that be?” Vale smirked faintly, a rare hint of mischief slipping through his composure. “Answer some of my questions.” For the first time, the angel’s expression softened into something close to approval. He nodded once, slowly. “Very well,” he said. “Ask. I will answer what I can.” Vale’s grin widened, though his voice remained low and steady. “Perfect.” He paused briefly before asking, “You said I lack a signature. What exactly is that?” The angelic being’s expression shifted, his curiosity replaced by mild disbelief. “Wait,” he said, brows lifting slightly. “You truly don’t know?” Vale shook his head. “I don’t.” The ang