Hellbound With You Side Story Part IV

"But here you are..." He flashed another incredulous smile. "I want to believe you’ll be my savior. If you can truly make me king, then I won’t have to grow powerful and lose myself to darkness just to claim that throne. Honestly, I still don’t want it... but I need that throne. Because becoming king would let me halt these demons and monsters from ravaging my homeland and... grant my loved ones a peaceful existence free from these invading beasts."

Zeke caught the blaze in Gavriel’s eyes as he uttered those words. He felt relieved, seeing he wasn’t alone in this bizarre trust that had spontaneously flared up between them.

"I will make you king." Zeke proclaimed, making Gavriel stare at him with eyes slightly widened. "Don’t worry, I’m not doing this for no reason. Making you king will save me as well. I believe we’re each other’s saviors. We just need to join forces." A

Thus, this pivotal moment launched Zeke and Gavriel’s alliance to seize the throne. Naturally, it included Zeke’s mission to locate his mother too.

Throne hall of Reigns Castle, Quesa, Viscarria.

"Your Highness, forgive us! Forgive us! We will not do it again!" Three men knelt trembling and pleading in terror as a formidable lady loomed over them. This was Alicia, the vampires’ most revered figure. In truth, she ranked as the most esteemed and dreaded vampire, surpassed only by Alexander.

Ezekiel’s vanishing had sparked rebellion among many vampires, who thought they could flout rules freely. They were gravely mistaken. Another had stepped into Ezekiel’s shoes, every bit as ruthless and formidable as he—perhaps surpassing her predecessor.

"Forgive you?" A sardonic smirk curled Alicia’s lips. "The three of you slaughtered a dozen innocent humans. You didn’t even spare the child. And you beg for mercy? Hear this... You three will face punishment as a warning to every defiant vampire. They’re mocking me. I’ll prove to all that I, Alicia Reign, inspire no less fear than my husband. I’ll demonstrate I’m no merciful woman." She glanced at the guards behind the trio and signaled them. "Inflict the worst possible death and ensure their demise spreads in vivid detail." Her icy, sharp tone sent violent shudders ripping through the condemned men’s bodies.

The three vampires howled and begged as the guards bowed deeply to Alicia.

"Let me handle the punishment, sister-in-law." A resonant voice boomed from beside her. It was Sebastian.

His mere presence made the men wet themselves, shrieking "no" in piercing, high-pitched tones. They pleaded desperately—not for Alicia’s pardon, but for her to end them swiftly rather than surrender them to Sebastian.

Alicia eyed Sebastian, who casually adjusted his leather gloves like gearing up for a leisurely task.

"I’m dying of boredom, so please let me carry out the punishment." Sebastian urged again, noting the hesitation in her gaze. "I promise this will be the last time I ask, sister-in-law."

Alicia glanced back at the men, then at Sebastian. She dreaded his gruesome killing style once more. Yet this marked the first time he vowed never to repeat it. She saw this as her moment to rein him in. Sebastian heeded no one but Alexander and her. Even she couldn’t halt him when absent. Constant surveillance was impossible, leaving her powerless at times.

"Fine. But it’s a deal, Sebastian. The last time." Alicia declared resolutely, her gaze boring into his with intent.

"I swear." A soft smile graced Sebastian’s lips, though his eyes blazed with savage bloodlust as he trailed the guards dragging the still-screaming prisoners from the throne hall, who begged Alicia for quick deaths.

After lingering motionless for ages, Alicia departed the castle. It was time to retrieve her son, Azriel.

Gazing out the window, Alicia beheld not the scenic blur outside, but Ezekiel’s face. Five years had elapsed since he abandoned her—abandoned them. Alicia still endured the stabbing agony in her chest whenever she recalled him and longed for him. She missed him terribly, so intensely that each day of waiting felt like dying. But...

"Mommy?" A soft, adorable voice as sweet as honey pierced the haze clouding her thoughts. Little Azriel gently caressed Alicia’s hand. His large, shimmering gray eyes gazed up at her. 4 "Hmm?" Alicia gazed down at him with tender affection. "Do you have something to tell me, Azy?" "I want to hug you, mommy." That was all he uttered, and Alicia almost shed tears, aware that her boy was comforting her once more. He sensed her sorrow and yearned to ease her ache.

"Of course. Come here, darling." While embracing the little one, she sensed his tiny hands patting her back quietly. A warm smile bloomed on Alicia’s face as she held her son close with love. This child of hers was her true anchor. Longing for Ezekiel left her feeling like she perished a bit more each day, yet her Azy always restored her vitality.

Thank you, Hellbounders. This marks the final chapter of this book. See you in Hellbound Heart.

Love, kazzen

P.s. For those wishing to send a farewell gift for HWY, I’d be grateful if you cast it on Hellbound Heart. Though it’s fine too if you prefer this book. Thank you again..