Return of the Demon Sovereign (Book 1) [Version Discontinued]

66. The Hive (3)

Erebus felt her take most of the control, but stopped her from taking all of it. He couldn't bear to think of her taking on all of the pain he endured. But he also knew the merit of her words. He knew the layout of the Hive and could lead this group through this. He also can stop the torture and save her from prolong suffering.

He examined her face and gently caressed her cheek.  Her eyelashes trembled but she had a resolute look on her face.

He felt a pulse inside of his heart that he thought he had lost.  His mind fell on memories of Kore.  Before her betrayal, he thought that she was the embodiment of affection and love. But everything about her fell short compared to his brief interactions with Astra.

His twenty years of marriage with Kore was him giving... He cherished her and bent to her every whim. He climbed the treacherous Whispering Peaks to bring her tea leaves that he was never able to taste. He crossed the Void Seas to bring her a jewel from a distant land that she never wore. He slaughtered the Flora Tribe because they insulted her, and he was only thanked with a small smile. Even a conversation was rare, but he was happy just to see her beautiful face. He thought that this was all he needed.

He cursed himself as he recalled how he blindly gave repeatedly, sacrificing his body for her and the sect, but when was that ever reciprocated?  He was used as pawn and a sacrifice, and he was naive enough to be content with that. However, the only time she said that he made her happy was because of his death.

He was blind long before they took his eyes.

He learned about true devotion from his students. He learned about friendship because of Fenrir. He learned loyalty by watching his soldiers. But he always saw himself as a monster and turned his heart away from any sort of affection. How could he open his heart again?

But his heart stirred when he was with Astra. It was something that he could no longer deny or ignore. She showed him that there is more than the behaviors of Kore. In fact, she proved how inadequate Kore was as a partner.

Astra gave back.  From the moment they met, she stayed with him and helped him calm his anger.  She wanted to have a dialogue with him and support him.  She stayed with him when he cultivated.  She forced him to rest when she thought he was working too hard.  She comforted him when he was broken inside.  And now she tried to take on his pain.

They teased each other because of Leonis and his words at the banquet, but it was not something he set inside of his heart because he thought his heart had long died. He ignored the budding feelings, even when she kissed his cheek. He shut himself off from any possibility of a future because he was focused on his vengeance, mission, and promise.

Kill Jericho and Kore. Destroy the Titans. Then the world would naturally be kinder. It was the cause and effect of his plan. He did not plan for anything after this because he would be a bloodied sinner. But now he saw a possibility of what could happen after he achieved his goals.

Could he have a place in this kinder world as well?

"Fuck."  He said with a small laugh.

He never would have believed that he would have a desire to try for a future for himself. He always told his brothers 'Till Death' and promised Fenrir that they would join each other in the Aether. Promises of death.

He leaned forward and gently whispered in Astra's ear in hopes she would hear him. "We will move quickly and I will return to you soon."

He stood up and stumbled a little. Skadi was immediately by his side. She pushed her mana into him, replenishing he depleted reserves. Rhys also focused his mana and healed him with his Water Mana, helping his body feel more comfortable.