Hellbound Heart

384  Light and Darkness - Part 2

Alicia and Zeke reappeared onto the sprawling terrace of a castle perched atop mountains as sharp and imposing as the claws of a colossal dragon. The sky above was purple-black, a dusk that seemingly knew no dawn, while the mountains themselves were shrouded in the obsidian shades of twilight. Despite the clarity of the sky, not a single star dared to twinkle as if this world was devoid of any celestial bodies.

Shifting her gaze from the sky to the structure before her, Alicia stared. This castle wasn't the one she remembered. This structure dwarfed the previous one in both size and height! "This castle is… massive." She whispered, still awed at its spires that seemed to be stretching toward the heavens to stake a claim among the gods themselves.

Zeke followed her gaze. "This is the second-largest stronghold in the underworld. It was once the seat of the so-called strongest prince."

"Did you and Gav kill this so-called strongest prince, and that's why this castle is yours now?"

"We defeated him, and the castle fell to us," he answered. "But unfortunately, he is still alive somewhere. Come, let's get inside."

Zeke then gathered her in his arms, lifting her as effortlessly. "I don't feel as weak as I do in our world right now, my husband. You don't need to cradle me as though I'm a sick, fragile princess."

"I know." Zeke's voice was a gentle rumble. "But indulge me in this, Alicia. I want to care for you every moment that we share here… every minute, every second."

"Oh dear… please don't overdo it Ezekiel… I might just melt." Alicia beamed as she reached out and lovingly pinched Zeke's cheek. "But who am I to say no when my husband wishes to spoil me?"

"That's right… just let me spoil you rotten, Alicia." Zeke gently squeezed her in his arms as he continued walking. "But what are we going to do tonight?" Alicia then asked. "It's actually daytime now. Here, when there's a semblance of light and color in the sky, it's considered day. Night in the underworld is devoid of any light."

"I see…" Alicia murmured, her gaze fixed towards the surreal sky again until her view was obscured as they were finally inside the massive castle. "So, what are we going to do today?"

"You will rest." Alicia arched a brow. "But I'm not tired or weakening. In fact, I feel remarkably strong. It's as if my powers have returned."

"Then... I guess, I should find a way to tire you out," Zeke suggested, his voice tinged with a mischievous undertone.

"We've only just arrived, Ezekiel, and already you're thinking about... that."

"I was thinking of dancing with you in the ballroom, my wife. It seems you're the one with love making on her mind. Though, I must admit, I'm not complaining."

Alicia gave Zeke a playful, gentle shove. And once Zeke put her down, she darted away, her soft laughter ringing through the corridor. She glanced back over her shoulder, her smirk a clear challenge. "Who said what I meant by 'that' is love making? It appears you're the naughty one here, my dear husband."

Zeke bit his lip, his eyes gleaming as he looked at her. "You're getting good at this, babe."

"I've graduated from being the one always blushing," Alicia retorted. "I plan to turn the tables around from now on. So better prepare yourself."

Zeke, following Alicia's light-hearted challenge, extended his hand to catch her. But just as his fingers were about to graze her arm, Alicia playfully dodged him. And to her shocked surprise, that one move didn't take her just a single step away from Zeke. Instead, she was suddenly meters away from him! Her eyes widened with realization and wonder. "My powers... they're back!" she exclaimed at Zeke.

Before Zeke could say a word, Alicia's body lifted from the ground and she floated effortlessly towards the ceiling. Surrounded by the enveloping darkness of the underworld, she appeared ethereal, like a glowing angel suspended in a void.

"Oh, goodness… I can't believe this!! My power is truly back! All of it, Ezekiel!" Her voice, that was filled with excitement, echoed, causing Zeke to just stand there, watching her hover above with a dreamy expression painting his features.

From her elevated position, she looked down at Zeke. "Want to make love with me, hm, dear husband? Catch me if you can."

Zeke's smirked. "Are you seriously challenging me right now, my wife?" he called out.

Alicia laughed, her voice resonating in the vastness of the hall. "I most certainly am, my husband!"

With the ease of one born to command the elements, Zeke's wings unfurled and the next moment, he was chasing after Alicia. Alicia's speed hastened as she darted across the ceiling, her silver hair trailing behind her like a comet's tail as Zeke pursued her. Glancing back at Zeke, Alicia's eyes sparkled as she dared him playfully. "You'll have to be faster than that, dear husband!" she teased before she weaved and spiraled through the air. She truly moved with the freedom and grace of someone rediscovering a long-lost part of themselves. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zeke simply smiled, his glinting eyes never leaving her. In truth, at that moment, Zeke felt like he was falling in love with Alicia all over again. He had been scared that Alicia wouldn't even smile anymore after her separation with Azy so watching her laughing and enjoying herself right now was just... Zeke felt his heart brimming with utter relief and gladness.

Right now, he just really wished that she would be able to keep smiling like that, at least for a little bit longer. He wanted nothing more than to preserve this moment, to extend their little game so that her smile might linger just a while longer.

And so, he skillfully guided their aerial dance, ensuring their playful chase continued, drawing out the time where they could just be lost in the moment, away from the burdens and shadows of their reality. As they moved through the air, the sound of Alicia's laughter echoed like a melody within him, a tune he wished to play on an endless loop. Until Alicia was about to reach the dead end, towards a section of the castle that Zeke preferred to keep hidden from her.

With a sudden burst of speed, Zeke closed the gap between them. As their bodies meeting in mid-air in a tender collision, his arms encircled her in a gentle, yet firm grasp, bringing their game to a sweet end. "Caught you, Alicia," he declared with a triumphant grin and Alicia's laughter rang out in the darkness once again.