Hellbound Heart

Chapter 396  Light and Darkness - Part 14

Shifting her gaze from the breathtaking view, Alicia looked around the room, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space. Her gaze settled on the empty spot beside where she had lain earlier. The blankets were undisturbed, the pillow untouched. Ezekiel... The thought of him brought a pang to her heart.

She remembered Kali saying that Ezekiel must return immediately, but had he really left right after bringing her here?

Taking a deep breath, Alicia shook her head, trying to dispel the sadness creeping in. She couldn't allow herself to feel down just because her husband had left before she woke up. She knew he needed to return immediately.

Still, a part of her ached with the need to see him, to reassure him that she would be alright, to tell him she would get cured and be waiting for him. She lifted her gaze toward the door, a sudden urge to bolt out and search for him, in case he was still here, coursed through her. But as she attempted to move, she realized how weak she felt. Her body was so frail that her legs were already trembling with weakness.

Clenching her fists, Alicia struggled to return to the bed. Somehow, she managed to reach the bed and sank down onto it, her breath coming in shallow gasps. It seemed she needed to wait for someone to come. The door opened, and Alicia's eyes widened in surprise as Zeke entered. She had truly thought he was gone! Forgetting her weakness, she rose eagerly to get to him but stumbled and fell.

She didn't hit the ground, though, as Zeke caught her immediately, as if he had anticipated her fall. He lifted her effortlessly and sat on the bed, cradling her like a princess. No words came from his lips, but Alicia could feel his worry in the way he held her and the way he kissed her head repeatedly.

"I'm fine. My legs just felt really weak just now," she assured him, pulling away slightly to look at his face. "I thought you already left."

"I would never just disappear on you like that, Alicia," he replied, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and affection.

"I know. It's just that… Mother said you had to return immediately," Alicia said, her voice tinged with relief and confusion.

"Yes, but I couldn't leave without making sure you were settled and safe. And I had to speak with the Light Queen first. She will be here very soon," Zeke explained.

Alicia nodded, her hold on him tightening. "I wish I could stay a bit longer, at least until you two meet, but I have to leave now," he continued, kissing her forehead gently.

Alicia wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "I'll be fine, Ezekiel. I'll wait for you. I'll make sure to get better. I promise. So please… don't worry about me and just… be safe and return to me, okay?"

He held her even tighter, burying his head against the crook of her shoulder. After a few silent moments, he released a slightly shaky breath. "I'll come back as soon as possible. Wait for me, my wife."

"I promise," she replied. She smiled gently at him before leaning in to kiss his lips.

He instantly kissed him and they shared one last passionate kiss, pouring all their emotions into that moment. When they finally pulled away, Zeke stood.

With a final, lingering touch, Zeke stepped away. He pause and after turning to her for one last look, he finally left. …

The quiet spiral of darkness in the middle of the altar rippled, sending tiny waves through the air. Black lightning crackled within the swirling shadows, illuminating the ancient stone chamber with brief flashes of eerie light.

Kali, who had been standing there, lifted her face. Her eyes never wavered from the center of the altar.

Then, through the shifting darkness, Zeke emerged. His figure was initially a shadow against the deeper shadows, but as he stepped forward, his form became clearer. The moment his foot touched the solid ground outside the spiral, the darkness behind him began to dissolve, melting away.

Zeke walked over to his mother, his steps purposeful and steady. The air was still charged with the remnants of dark magic, but it seemed to calm as he moved. Reaching Kali, he wrapped his arms around her in a firm embrace.

Kali hugged him back tightly. "You did well, my son," she whispered, her voice filled with pride and relief.

With a gentle smile on her face, Kali patted her son's back. "Don't worry, you will see her again soon, my son."

"I know, Mother. And I'm sorry for making you wait again," Zeke said, his voice tinged with guilt.

"No, son. I'll always… always be willing to wait for you. No matter how long," Kali reassured him. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

But Zeke dropped his head, his shoulders looked heavy with the burden of his feelings. "I don't want you to keep staying here, waiting and waiting forever. Even if it means I will not see you again… I just… I just want you to finally… leave this desolate place."

Gently, Kali rubbed Zeke's hair, her touch soothing, loving. "I know you hate my situation, but my son… I am beyond grateful that I am still here to help you. Please do not worry because after this… I will finally free myself. I will leave this place once my purpose is complete. Once I make sure that you and Alicia return to your son safely."

Zeke pressed the heel of his palm against his forehead. "Forgive me, Mother… I… I couldn't find another way—"

"My son," Kali cut him off gently. "You've done everything. You don't know how amazing you are. How incredible you have become. How powerful you have grown."

Zeke met her gaze, then looked away, shaking his head. "But no matter how powerful I become, it's still not enough. I still…"

"Oh, my dear Zeke…" Kali cupped his face, making him look at her. "Son, have you forgotten what I told you when we first met? I told you, didn't I? Alicia… Alicia was supposed to have died long ago, when she died the first time. Her soul would have disappeared. But you saved her. You did not give up on her. You did everything to hold onto her. You defied fate. And now you're here, about to conquer a world full of monsters. You are the strongest I have ever known. Stronger than any kings I've met. Alicia and your son think the same. So keep your head up, my son, never lose hope. You are a great man. The greatest to us. You've been fighting relentlessly, but you will win it all this time. You will not fail again."

A deep, long breath escaped Zeke's lips as he nodded at his mother. His posture straightened, a renewed sense of determination now evident in his stance. Kali smiled, pride and love brimming in her eyes. "So go… go conquer this world and finally end this war, my son."

Zeke dropped to one knee and gently pressed his forehead against the back of his mother's hand. "I will, Mother. I will not disappoint you."

"You never once did, my son," Kali said.

Zeke rose, the weight of his doubts lifting as he met his mother's steady gaze. "Thank you, Mother." Kali nodded, her expression serene yet powerful. "Remember. No matter what obstacles you face, know that I am with you always. You have the power to change the course of fate, Zeke."