Hellbound Heart

Chapter 394 Light and Darkness - Part 12

Alicia and Zeke's last battle had been intense. Initially, they tried to stall, dragging it out as long as possible. But as with all battles, theirs finally reached its end.

They had defeated their final enemy together, their blades piercing the monster's heart in unison.

Now, they found themselves in a river filled with glowing, crystal-like stones. The water was clear, and the bluish rock formations beneath made the place look truly magical. Alicia was immensely grateful for this bath; she definitely did not want to meet Ezekiel's mother covered in dried blood and dirt.

Zeke washed her hair gently in silence while Alicia enjoyed the water. She couldn't believe it was over. If she could, she would want to extend this journey just a little longer. Just one more battle together. But she knew that was no longer possible. They had reached the inevitable end, and now she could only prepare herself for what awaited them.

"I've been wanting to ask, but what… is your mother's name?" Alicia asked. She had been curious for so long but refrained from asking, knowing that the mere reminder of his mother might bring back memories of the hellish past Zeke had endured.

"Kaliza. But she preferred being called Kali," Zeke replied.

"Kali…" Alicia repeated softly. "Such a beautiful name."

Alicia looked up into the darkness, her eyes gleaming wistfully. "I wish Azy could meet her too," she murmured.

The mention of Azy's name made her throat ache instantly. She quickly looked down at the water, scooped some with her palms, and splashed it on her face.

Suddenly, Zeke was in front of her, his arms around her waist as he lifted her slightly from the water.

Alicia looked down at him.

"My mother already knew about Azy," Zeke said. "Not because I told her about him, but because my mother can see the future. When I first met her, she told me she had already seen my wife and my son a long time ago. She even knew Azy's name."

Alicia's eyes widened slightly with surprise.

"After my mother's death, her soul was forcefully summoned to this world. The king of this world at that time, on the verge of losing himself to madness, made her his queen to bind her to him. My mother allowed it because she had seen a future where we would meet again, in this very place. So for many years, she stayed here, waiting. Even after the king's death and the destruction of this place, she remained. She said she knew I would need her," Zeke continued. "I asked her why she directed me to that cliff where I first met you. Her answer surprised me…" Zeke smiled a little. "She said it was because she left something there that would awaken my demonic power. But I ended up awakening my power on my own before reaching that place. As to why she chose that cliff, she said she once dreamed I would meet my woman there for the first time."

Alicia's eyes brimmed with emotion, wet with tears.

"Mother already knew about our situation, and that's why I'm bringing you to her. Because she asked me to. She's going to help us. So don't worry… no matter what happens, we'll be together and return to Azy in the end."

Alicia nodded, smiling through her tears, and hugged him tightly.

…

They arrived before an old, massive gate made of onyx stones. Upon entering, they found themselves inside the ruins of a colossal castle. Despite the destruction around them, there were pristine and untouched statues that lined the path. All twelve statues were female, each one perfect and resembling guardian angels.

Just as Alicia was wondering who these statues represented and why they remained unscathed amidst all the ruins, her attention was drawn to a circle that seemed like an altar.

And there she was, an ethereal lady with grey eyes and dark, silky long hair that touched the ground. She looked like the queen of darkness, a spirit both beautiful and eternally trapped in the shadows. She smiled at them. A smile so beautiful and heartwarmingly serene.

"Mother…" Ezekiel said softly, his eyes tender as he looked at her.

"You're finally back, my son," she said to Zeke, her voice as warm and beautiful as she was.

Kali stretched her arm, and Zeke looked at Alicia before letting go of her hand. He stepped in the circle and hugged her. It surprised Alicia because despite the fact that she's a spirit, she can be touched like she was solid. "Forgive me if I made you wait for long but as promised, I brought my beloved wife, mother." Zeke uttered. Soon, Kali released him and she looked at Alicia. "I've been longing to meet you, Alicia. You are truly beautiful… Come here, child."

Alicia stepped forward, and they embraced. It felt as if she were holding light itself, a warmth so inexplicable it seemed to seep into her soul, making her feel like she could melt into her embrace forever. There was also that feeling of familiarity, which Alicia could not quite explain because this was the very first time, she'd ever met her. Yet it was as if she had been yearning for this woman's embrace her entire life.

"You can call me Mother, Alicia. I'm your mother-in-law, after all." Kali uttered sweetly like the loveliest mother one could ever ask for. "Mo… mother," Alicia uttered.

Kali's eyes shone with happiness. "I have already seen you long ago, but you are even lovelier in person."

"Now I understand why Ezekiel is the most handsome man… because his mother is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," Alicia replied, smiling as she looked at her with awe and admiration.

Kali's smile widened. "You flatter me, my child."

"It's true," Alicia said shyly, now realizing that their hands still clasped. It was truly amazing because there was no awkwardness between them at all. It was as if this wasn't their first meeting at all, but simply a long-awaited reunion. "I'm so happy to finally met you, Alicia." Kali looked at her with such warmth and tenderness. "And even though our meeting will be brief, this is already more than I could ever asked for. I'm so beyond grateful I've met you."

"Me… too… mother." Kali gently squeezed her hands as emotion brimmed in her beautiful eyes. "And I always wanted to tell you how thankful I am that my son fell in love with you. Thank you for coming to his life and making him smile again, Alicia."

Alicia shook her head, trying to hold back her own tears. "It's I who should be thankful, Mother. Being loved by a man like Ezekiel makes me feel like I'm the luckiest woman in existence."

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