Freed Souls

Chapter 29

Chapter 29: Home

Astralla

We've had the most peaceful nights for a long time. I was planning to watch our kids sleep beside us the entire night, but the moment Brix wrapped his arms around me, I instantly fell asleep.

"Joseph will be there for them," Brix whispered as we watched our kids galloped away. He held my hand and squeezed it.

Pakiramdam ko ay nag-uumpisa nang mamuhay mag-isa ang mga anak ko kahit na magkikita pa rin naman kami mamaya. Alam kong darating din ang araw na kailangan ko silang palayain sa aking silungan para mamuhay sa sariling paraan.

"Ang galing na ni Aya," bulong ko nung mapagtanto na marami na siyang natututunan. "She's learning faster than I thought."

"I'm sure Corbie will protect her." Hinawakan ni Brix ang balikat ko at hinarap ako sa kanya. "Hihigitan pa niya ang mga nagawa ko para sa 'yo. They will surpass us one day."

My lips parted, but no words came out.

I shouldn't ask him a question.

I shouldn't ask him why he went missing last night.

I swore to trust him.

He cleared his throat. "Uhmm..."

"What?" I asked.

I felt nervous with the sudden change in his mood.

He looked away. Napansin kong tila nailang siya bigla.

"What is it, Brix?"

"Nothing..." Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko saka bahagyang tumalikod sa akin. Narinig ko pa ang pagbuntonghininga niya. "Let's just walk for now."

Naguguluhan man pero pumayag na lang din ako. Mabagal ang paglalakad namin, pero pansin kong sa ibang direksyon ang tinatahak namin. Taliwas ito papunta sa Severus Kingdom.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"A date..."

Natigilan ako. What?

Tumikhim siya. "Hindi mo pa naranasan na lumabas at makipag-date, hindi ba? I mean... you were still naïve when I took you away. I literally deprived you of the things a human should experience in their lifetime."

Hindi pa rin niya magawang tumingin sa akin.

"But I am not a human anymore—"

"You can be!" Hinarap niya ako. "For today..."

"So..." Napakapa ako ng sasabihin. "Are you asking me out for a date?"

"No. I am not asking here, Astra. It's mandatory."

Umawang ang mga labi ko. "Okay?"

"Is that a yes?"

"Gago ka ba? You literally said it's mandatory—"

"Isn't that how it is supposed to be done?"

I shook my head. "Nope. Kailangan mo munang mapapayag ang babae na makipag-date sa 'yo. It shouldn't be forced, Brixton."

"Ayaw mo ba?"

"Gusto!" I pouted.

He chuckled. "So let's date..."

I grinned. "Sure!"

Pagkalabas namin sa masukal na bahagi ay may isang magarang itim na sasakyan ang naghihintay sa amin. Lumabas doon ang isang babae at yumuko sa amin.

"Do the pleasure," Brix said to her.

"As you wish, Milord." The woman respectfully bowed to him before she turned to me. "Shall we, My Queen?"