Hellbound Heart

"Azy, my son," she whispered softly as her hand rubbed into his cheeks gently. "What's wrong? Why do you want to leave?"

Azy did not answer, his gaze still fixed on some unseen point in the distance. He continued struggling ferociously against Alexander and Zeres, his body writhing in their grip as he fought to break free. His struggles were very unlike what one would expect of a child at his age. They were sharp and jerky, powerful and unpredictable. Alex and Zeres had to give their utmost focus and attention on what they were doing as they would definitely lose their grip on him if they did not.

Alicia's heart sank as she watched her son struggle continuously. She knew that there was nothing she could do to stop him. His power was beyond her control, and it was obvious to her that he was determined to leave no matter what the cost.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Azy's movement suddenly stopped. His eyes that were almost fully back were now bright and clear again, and he looked up at his mother with a mixture of confusion and fear. And then through his eyes, he finally communicated with his mom. 'I don't know what's wrong with me, mom...' he told Alicia through telepathy, his gaze so very apologetic. He had seen how exhausted and tired out his mother was just from her standing nearby him. Despite his situation, he looked so sorry and regretful of what was happening. Alicia knew how much Azy hated going through these episodes because the boy believes that it was the reason why his mom was slowly losing her powers and weakening. 'Mom... I'm sorry but... I just feel like I have to go. Please... I hate this... I don't want you getting any weaker than you already are, mom.' Azy pleaded with Alicia.

Before Alicia could say anything back in response, his eyes darkened again. And this time, his demonic power pulsed stronger than ever.

Alexander's hands on Azy's shoulders tightened seeing this. His grip was firm and unyielding, as the boy struggled harder against him. Zeres stood a few steps away, his hands raised in the air, his eyes closed in concentration as he used his magic to anchor Azy to the ground. The air around them crackled loudly from the amount of energy being released, and the trees swayed and rustled as if caught in a sudden windstorm.

Azy's eyes glowed with an eerie dark light as his demonic power surged to a whole new level, threatening to overwhelm him and everyone around him. The forest creatures had long since fled at the first sign of danger, leaving the group to deal with the crisis on their own.

"Stay calm, Azy," Alexander spoke to the boy, his voice steady and reassuring, not caring if he was not fully understanding the words itself. All he wanted to do was to convey to Azy that there were people here who wanted to help. "We're here to help you. Just hold on a little longer."

But Azy was not listening. His body was thrashing about wildly, his limbs flailing as he fought against the two men holding him down. His skin felt hot to the touch, and his breath came in short, ragged gasps.

Alicia watched in horror, her heart breaking at the sight of her precious son in such distress. She was never one to coddle and pamper her son even if he was her only treasure. However, the extent of his suffering right now was just too harsh for her, as his mother to witness.

"Let him go," she finally said, her voice firm and resolute. "He needs to leave the forest. There's something that he must do." Alicia had thought it through and only then had she decided on this.

Alex and Zeres looked at each other, unsure if it was safe to let Azy go.

Alicia nodded, her heart heavy with sadness and worry. She knew then that there was no stopping him. Right now, Azy himself was a force of nature that they could not continue to fight against in the long run.

Alicia looked at her son with a helpless and sad look in her eyes. Azy's eye was turning much blacker, reminding her of her husband's eye.

"I feel like it's better if we let him go." Alicia approached again, this time, the dark energy coming out from Azy was pushing her back. As if it was trying to stop her from touching Azy this time. Yet she kept pushing forward, towards her beloved son. "This never happened before. It's like Azy is desperate to go and I can't help but think that there's definitely a reason why he's acting this way. I want to believe that this reason is something good. Something necessary. Perhaps... this could even end his suffering for good." Alicia's voice broke at that last line as she could hardly bear watching her son like this anymore.

What Alicia said was true. Even Alex wondered what could be behind these strange actions. However, Alex also could not help but think about the cons of letting a boy this out of control go. What if Alicia was wrong? What if someone was merely luring the boy out?

Alex was torn. But the moment his eyes fell to his wife who was right behind Alicia, supporting her from totally falling over, he bit his lip. Abi gave him a nod, obviously telling him that it was okay and that they would believe in Alicia. After all, Alicia is Azy's mother and she loves him more than any of them could. There was no way she would not have thought through this thoroughly before telling him to let go. Alex could only reluctantly give in.

"Alright. But I'll go with him. I can't risk losing sight of him." Alexander said and everyone agreed. "I'll leave everyone to you for now, Zeres." Alex stared at Zeres and when the male witch nodded, Alex let out a deep sigh.