Hellbound Heart

"I hate this f**king world… Alex… Hate it so damned much…" his voice lowered. "You better start finding a way to end me soon. Because if I lose her…" he looked up, his gaze bleeding with just pure misery. And yet, a haunting smile tugged up at the corner of his lips. "I know I don't need to tell you anymore. You've been in my place before, after all."

Alex did not move for a long while. He just stood there watching his friend trembling. He could not help but remember that time when Zeres had healed him, taking away the poison from his body into his own and then went and hid himself behind a wall to die alone.

Alex lowered himself slowly to the ground, his movements gentle and deliberate as he positioned himself before Zeres and the unconscious form of Iryz. With infinite care, he reached out and touched Zeres' arm, his fingers tracing the contours of the other man's flesh in a gesture of comfort and reassurance. "Iryz is still with you, with us, Zeres…" he shifted his gaze to Iryz's pale face. "She's still fighting so hard… she's fighting for you. Even though she's suffering, she's willing to do it because it's for you. So, you're not allowed to think about the end like this. Because nothing is over yet, Zeres. As long as you don't give up on her, there's still hope. I fully understand how hopeless this is right now but…" a gentle smile tugged at the corner of Alex's lips. "Abigail once told me a phrase before… back when we both thought she was just human and was even sick and dying. She told me that… miracles can happen."

A breeze stirred the stagnant air around them, bringing a freshness from nature that was much needed. The rustle of leaves came as a whisper of encouragement. For a moment, silence reigned between the two men, broken only by the sound of their breaths and the beating of their hearts.

And then Alex squeezed Zeres' arm gently, his grip firm and unwavering, imparting what he hopes to be hope and encouragement.

"I had believed in her words back then. And I believe that Iryz will also have her own miracle. So, stand up and raise your head in confidence, Zeres. Let's bring her back to the Black Forest and let's all work together to save her. We can beat the impossible again like we all did many times before... just believe in it." Alexander's voice vibrated with a sincere warmth.

Zeres' shaking body eventually stilled, his breathing slowing to a measured pace. Also, his grip on the girl in his arms was gentle and the deep furrows on his brows eased up. Even the general aura surrounding him seemed to have lightened up significantly.

And then, with a deep sigh, he straightened his shoulders, his silver hair falling back into place, causing Alex to secretly sigh in relief. Though Zeres' eyes were still haunted, there was a glimmer of hope reflected in there as well, a fierce resolve to fight for Iryz, no matter the cost. Alex knew that this would be challenging as hell. But for now, the most important thing was to make Zeres remain sane and bring him back to their side before he completely falls to the other side.

He cannot let that happen. He could never just step back and watch this man spiral back to darkness again. He was done fighting against him. Against this friend of his. He would do anything to get him back on the right track. Not only because he was an important friend to him that he never wanted to fight to death with, but also because he needed him. They needed Zeres as an ally and not as an enemy.

Because right now, Alex felt like the peace Zeke had tried so hard to preserve for so many years was now seriously about to be shattered. Somehow, Alex could just feel it.

His hands were already full with Elijah and Sebastian's matters as well as Alicia and Azy's condition. If Zeres adds his problem into this too…

Sighing secretly, Alex stood, muttering to himself inwardly. 'Damn, Zeke. You better come back soon so I can finally have a one year long honeymoon with my wife!'

While Zeres was preparing Iryz and their important items needed to be move back to the Black Forest, Rion arrived.

The sight of the vampire instantly made Alex's brows crease. Rion's tight and contained expression was enough for him to tell that other troubles had cropped up.

"What happened?" Alex immediately asked.

"The prophetess wants you back in the castle. His Highness Sebastian is already on his way there." Rion nodded sharply before reporting to Alex.

"What happened?" Alex repeated, wanting Rion not to beat around the bush anymore and just spill out the spicific issue.

"It has started." Rion swallowed and spoke in a low tone. "A video of a vampire has been leaked out on the internet and is already being viewed millions of times worldwide. And it seems that humans are now starting to investigate the truth of that matter."

Alex put his hands on his waist akimbo and chuckled, shocking Rion.

"I hope these human leaders won't do anything stupid." Alex said with an anticipatory smirk.

"We aren't sure about that since many human leaders do like to meddle in other country's affairs."

"Then it seems all the world can do now is brace for an impending apocalypse."

Rion panicked. "D-don't say that, Sir."

"Kidding." Alex smirked. Despite the news, he still looked ever so calm. "Oh, and I'm not going. I have a more pressing matter to deal with here. Sebastian can handle that matter on his own."

"But Sir, they wanted you to be –"

"Those guys are underestimating Sebastian." Alex cut him off. "Go back and tell them what I said. That I'm leaving this matter fully to Sebastian to handle. Now go."

"Y-yes, Sir."