Frowning, Samael observed the two tents the Shadows had set up at their temporary site, while a few others with wings scouted the area for a more suitable location for their long-term shelter. They were a day's walk from the portal, and Samael would have preferred a much longer distance. At least a week or so. He was expecting Lucifer to appear as soon as they entered the Fifth Heaven, but she didn't. Even though a millennium has passed, she was probably still hiding in the Second Heaven, nursing her injured pride.

The larger tent was set for him, the Shadows said, and insisted that he used it while the other was for the supplies they took with them. Though Samael had crows at his disposal and could get anything they needed just by focusing on those black birds.

In the evening, Samael organised a meeting in the area before them. They needed to make some sort of plan. They need to make some sort of plan. Like, for example, what kind of dwelling they would build. "And as you know, when I say we. I mean you."

Samael, with legs folded, floated in the air, while the Shadows squatted in a half-circle before him.

"A palace." A Shadow with wings spoke first. "A new Pandemonium."

"Yes, yes, a new Pandemonium," another Shadow echoed in an eager tone.

The Shadows agreed until one of them asked, "How long are we going to be in the Fifth Heaven?"

"I expect we will be here for a few months to half a year," Samael said. "So, a palace might be too time-consuming. What are your thoughts on something simpler? Perhaps more like the Watchers' dwelling?"

"We need something more grand," somebody said.

"Yes, yes," another added. "With a magnificent building in the middle for the lord."

"If we need anything magnificent, it should be the main hall," Samael said.

Beelzebub nodded.

The Shadows continued to discuss among themselves before a Shadow with bark-like skin suggested, "We could carve into the rock. It's what we know best."

"How many of you built Pandemonium?" Samael asked.

More than two-thirds lifted their limbs.

"A nice rocky mountain would be the best, then." Samael smiled. "We'll find something suitable."

The Shadows nodded, looking satisfied with his words.

When the scouts returned, they got a task to search for a suitable rocky mountain. Two days later, Samael himself went with Beelzebub to check the suitable places found by the scouts. He didn't decide on any of them but actually found a perfect spot while flying from the second to the third. The valley lay nestled between a cluster of jagged rocky hills. The sand dunes surrounding them rolled like frozen waves.

Samael extended his senses, feeling the silence of the land. It was quiet, except for the faint rustle of small creatures hiding among the rocks. No humans, no threats. Perfect.

"You will bring all the Shadows with wings here," he said to Beelzebub and the scouts that were with them. "And take with you all the tools you can carry and some of the builders so you can start building or carving out, while I bring the rest here on foot. We'll try to find some of the material we need along the way."

Beelzebub hovered beside him, wings flapping gently. "There's no need for that. I can guide them, my lord."

"Give us a moment," Samael told the scouts as he lowered onto the rocky ground dotted with dry earth.

Beelzebub landed beside him.

Samael wrapped his arm around Beelzebub's shoulders. "Beel, do you know why I was so willing to relinquish the leadership of Inferno?"

"Because you think he's inept."

"That too. But the main reason is that every obstacle—though that goat-head isn't really an obstacle or a threat—is an opportunity. Since I came to Inferno, my main goal has been to build a structure where everyone knows their responsibilities and obligations, so that even without the leader present, everything runs smoothly." So he could have a lovely, relaxing life of a retiree.

"But the helpers—"

"Yes, you are an important part of the structure. But if everyone continues to do their part, there shouldn't be much change. Let's see how it goes."

"This is a test?"

"Sort of." Samael nodded. "A test to see how well the structure in place holds. Satan's leadership will reveal its flaws. I also want to teach the Shadows that their decisions have consequences. You and the helpers have been working tirelessly. You deserve a holiday. Let's take some time off and explore beyond the Inferno. Let's see what life has to offer." He withdrew his arm and patted his shoulder. "I want to lead the Shadows on this journey and serve as their guide. And protector. Because even though you have been in the Fifth Heaven, you are all still too naïve to know the darkness of a human's soul."

Beelzebub frowned, looking like he was thinking, before he said, "It seems I was too narrow-minded to see the bigger picture, my lord. I'll do better."

"You're doing fine." Samael patted his shoulder again. "You're still learning, while I have millennia of experience dealing with angels and humans." His gaze drifted to the horizon, where the sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the barren land. Memories flashed—once, he had fought for humanity, believing they could rise above their base instincts. But centuries of their cruelty had worn that belief down, leaving only a small trace of it, barely holding on. "Come on, let's return."

Back at camp, Samael outlined the plan. Most Shadows agreed though the fliers grumbled about missing out on the journey. In the end, it was decided that they would rotate the builders, so that everyone could experience the journey.

As night fell over the camp, a quiet settled in. Samael's gaze swept across the gathered Shadows, their outlines barely visible against the dimming sky. He could hear their excited whispers as they shared their precious experiences in the Fifth Heaven with others, and chatted about their new home and about what they might see on their journey.

Then Samael's eyes looked beyond the Shadows, at the land zigzagged by the scars, remnants of past conflict. It was peaceful now, but peace could often be deceptive. In a realm where humans and angels were present, there could always be something lurking beneath the surface, something that could change everything.

The next morning, they had set towards their new home.