Hellbound Heart

Chapter 374 I'll remember

The sky was a deeper, more vivid blue than usual, stretching out like a vast sapphire blanket above. Beneath this expansive azure, the Black Forest stood in serene repose, its usual whispers of mystery now hushed in a rare moment of peace.

It was finally time. Zeke could feel it. As he entered the house, he found Alicia and Azy together in the living room. Alicia, seated on the couch, was gently holding Azy's hands, speaking softly to him while he nodded in solemn understanding.

The sight of them made Zeke pause. A lump formed in his throat. Hiding behind the door, he pressed his back against the cool wall. He then dragged his palms across his face, weaving them through his hair. After a deep, steadying breath, Zeke's eyes regained their usual calm. Ready, he moved into the room towards his wife and son.

At the sight of him, both mother and son turned. Azy's face lit up. "Dad! You're back."

Zeke offered his son a tender nod and, wordlessly, enveloped both Alicia and Azy in a warm embrace. This gesture alone conveyed the unspeakable truth to Alicia and Azy: it was time to say goodbye.

Alicia's grip on Azy tightened, and for a long, silent moment, they just clung to each other, surrounded by a wave of heavy emotions. Then, Azy broke the quiet. "Please don't worry about me, Mom, Dad," he said, trying to reassure them. "I promise I'll be alright. I'll be happy here with Alexis, Alice, and everyone. I promise I'll take care of myself, though I know they'll look after me too."

Zeke and Alicia pulled away slightly, gazing at their son with eyes filled with mixed feelings of pride, sadness, and love.

"Please don't cry, Mom," Azy continued, with a brave smile. "I want you to be happy. And please, try not to miss me too much, okay?"

"Oh, Azy…" Alicia's voice trembled as she wiped away her tears, which were falling silently.

"All I wish for is to see you healthy and strong again, Mom. Focus on healing and then come back," Azy pleaded with hope in his voice.

Alicia nodded, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise," she whispered, pulling him into another embrace.

When Alicia finally released Azy, he turned to face his father. Dropping to one knee to, Zeke clasped Azy's hand and gazed intently into his eyes. "Always remember what I've told you, Azriel. If something ever bothers you, no matter how small, don't keep it inside. Reach out to your uncle Seb, Alex, or any of your aunts."

Azy nodded earnestly. "I'll remember, Dad."

"Do you promise?"

"Promise," Azy affirmed with unwavering certainty. The father and son then shared a heartfelt embrace.

Zeke turned his gaze to Alicia, and the three of them, united by a bond stronger than anything else, held each other close once more.

…

Soon everyone was gathered in a meadow that was surrounded by the towering trees of the Black Forest. The atmosphere seemed to pulsate, an evidence to the potent magic coursing through the air. Zeke and Gav, both emanating their demonic power, stood as polar opposites: Zeke's magic was a gentle stream, while Gav's raged like a wild inferno, necessitating his isolation from the group.

Zeke, standing close to Alex, communicated without words, using their eye telepathy. Though his face remained stoic, Zeke's eyes shimmered with intense emotions. "Thank you..." he began, his silent message resonating deep within Alex. "Before I entrust you with the care of my son once more, until I return, I need to express my gratitude, Alex."

Alex glanced away, a smile playing on his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't accustomed to seeing Zeke in this manner, but Alex understood all too well the significant changes that fatherhood could bring to a man.

When he returned his gaze to Zeke, Alex's smile lingered, a teasing light still dancing in his eyes, though it was clear that the emotions were getting to him too. "Don't worry about it. The ten years I've looked after Azy are nothing compared to the centuries you spent cleaning up after my antics, Zeke. And Azy, well, he's a great kid. He hardly needed much from me as he's a well-behaved kid to look after. But I know things will be different this time, with Alicia away... Still, you have my word, I'll keep him safe. He's pretty much my son now, too."

Zeke's eyes softened, an unmistakable warmth seeping into his usually icy gaze. This was a side of Zeke that few were privileged to witness – a father's vulnerability, a warrior's trust. "And for that, I can never thank you enough."

"Now that's enough, Zeke." Alex sighed, still smiling. "Remember, time is just a perception for beings like us. Before you know it, you'll be back with Azy."

Zeke moved closer, and the two men embraced like brothers. Zeke's silence was heavy with gratitude; the firmness of his grip conveyed more than words ever could. Alex, understanding this unspoken language, reassured him softly. "Focus on your mission. Leave Azy to me. Nothing will happen to him on my watch. Otherwise, I couldn't face you again." A silence descended between the two, but it was a comforting silence, filled with the understanding and depth that only centuries-old friendships could provide. Alex clapped Zeke on the shoulder. "Go do what needs to be done and come back." Nodding in acknowledgement, Zeke then approached Sebastian. The brothers, having shared their private conversation earlier, simply exchanged a look of deep understanding before hugging.

"I'll keep my promise, no matter what," Sebastian whispered firmly. "So you better keep yours and return with Alicia, safe and sound."

"I will," Zeke responded. As they stepped back from their embrace, there was a resolute air around them, each committed to their vow.

As Alicia finished her conversation with Elle and Abi and giving them her final embrace, she finally made her way over to Zeke and Azy.

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