Infernal Hearts: Madness, Passionate and Extraordinary Love of a Demon

chapter 5:- Shadows of the past

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The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Evelyn’s apartment. She sat at the kitchen table, staring at the steaming cup of coffee in front of her. The events of the past week had left her exhausted yet strangely exhilarated. Training with Azrael had revealed strengths she never knew she possessed, but it had also made her acutely aware of the dangers lurking in the shadows.

A knock at the door jolted her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat as she stood and walked cautiously towards the door, every sense on high alert. She opened it slowly, relief flooding through her as she saw Azrael standing there, his expression as serious as ever.

“Good morning,” he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “We need to talk.”

Evelyn closed the door behind him, her heart pounding. “What’s wrong?” she asked, sensing the tension in his voice.

Azrael’s eyes darkened as he looked at her. “We’ve been too focused on training,” he said. “There’s something I haven’t told you. Something important.”

Evelyn felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest. “What is it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azrael took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. “There’s a prophecy,” he said slowly. “A prophecy about a demon and a human whose bond could tip the balance between light and darkness. I believe we are that pair.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock. “A prophecy?” she repeated, struggling to process his words. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

Azrael sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t want to burden you with more than you were already dealing with,” he said. “But the time has come for you to know. Our bond is powerful, Evelyn. It’s what makes us a target, and it’s also what gives us the strength to fight back.”

Evelyn felt a mixture of fear and determination settle over her. “What does the prophecy say?” she asked.

Azrael’s expression grew even more serious. “It’s vague, as prophecies often are,” he said. “But it speaks of a great darkness and a light that can only shine through the union of a demon and a human. Together, they will face unimaginable trials and emerge stronger for it, or they will fall, plunging the world into eternal night.”

Evelyn’s heart pounded in her chest. “Do you believe it?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Azrael’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I do know that our bond is special. I feel it, and I think you do too.”

Evelyn nodded, her mind racing. “So what do we do now?” she asked.

Azrael took her hand, his touch sending a reassuring warmth through her. “We prepare,” he said. “There are others who know of the prophecy. Some will try to help us, but many will try to stop us. We need to find allies and uncover the full extent of the prophecy’s meaning.”

Evelyn squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his presence. “Then let’s get started,” she said firmly.

Over the next few days, Azrael and Evelyn delved into research, scouring ancient texts and seeking out those who might hold the key to the prophecy. Their search led them to a dusty old bookstore in the heart of the city, run by a reclusive scholar named Marcus.

Marcus was a wiry man with sharp features and a keen intellect. He welcomed them into his cluttered shop, his eyes glinting with curiosity. “Azrael,” he said, his voice a low rasp. “It’s been a long time.”

Azrael nodded, his expression guarded. “We need your help, Marcus,” he said. “We’re looking for information about a prophecy.”

Marcus’s eyes flicked to Evelyn, a knowing look in his gaze. “So, it’s true,” he murmured. “The demon and the human. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Evelyn felt a shiver run down her spine. “You know about the prophecy?” she asked.

Marcus nodded, moving to a dusty bookshelf and pulling down a thick, leather-bound tome. “I’ve heard whispers,” he said. “And I’ve read texts that speak of such a union. The prophecy is ancient, older than most realize. It’s said to have been written by the Oracles of Sargon, a group of seers whose visions have guided both humans and demons for centuries.”

He opened the book, flipping through the pages until he found the passage he was looking for. “Here,” he said, pointing to a section written in an archaic script. “This speaks of a union that will either save or doom us all. The demon and the human must face trials of fire and blood, tests of heart and soul. Only through their bond can the light prevail.”

Evelyn leaned in, reading the words with a mixture of awe and fear. “What do these trials entail?” she asked.

Marcus shook his head. “The texts are unclear,” he said. “But I believe they refer to challenges that will test your loyalty, your strength, and your love for each other. These trials will push you to your limits and beyond.”

Azrael’s expression was grim. “What do we need to do to prepare?” he asked.

Marcus closed the book, his gaze thoughtful. “You need allies,” he said. “There are those who will support you, but you must be careful. Trust is a rare commodity in these times. And you need to be stronger—both of you. The trials will not be easy, and you will need every ounce of strength and courage to face them.”

Evelyn nodded, determination hardening her resolve. “We’ll do whatever it takes,” she said. “We’re ready.”

Marcus’s eyes softened. “I hope so,” he said. “Because if you fail, the consequences will be dire.”

As they left the bookstore, Evelyn felt a sense of foreboding settle over her. The prophecy was real, and the trials ahead were daunting. But with Azrael by her side, she felt a fierce determination to face whatever came their way.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of training and preparation. Azrael pushed Evelyn harder than ever, their sessions filled with intense physical and mental challenges. They sparred relentlessly, honing their skills and building a bond of trust and understanding.

One evening, as they took a break from their training, Azrael looked at Evelyn, his expression serious. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he said. “Something from my past.”

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. “What is it?” she asked.

Azrael’s gaze darkened. “There was a time when I wasn’t so different from the demons we’re fighting now,” he said quietly. “I reveled in the darkness, feeding off the pain and suffering of others. I was cruel, heartless, and consumed by my own power.”

Evelyn felt a pang of sadness for the man before her. “What changed?” she asked gently.

Azrael’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I met someone,” he said. “A human woman who saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She believed in me, despite everything. But our love was forbidden, and it ended in tragedy. She was taken from me, and I vowed to never let anyone close to me again.”

Evelyn’s heart ached for him. “I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “But you’re not that person anymore, Azrael. You’ve changed.”

Azrael reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. “Because of you,” he said. “You’ve given me a reason to fight, a reason to believe in something more. And I will do whatever it takes to protect you.”

Evelyn felt a surge of emotion, a mixture of love and determination. “We’ll face this together,” she said firmly. “No matter what.”

Azrael nodded, a fierce resolve in his eyes. “Together,” he agreed.

As they stood there, their bond stronger than ever, they knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and dangers. But they were ready to face them, united by a love that transcended the boundaries of light and darkness. And no matter what trials lay ahead, they would face them together, determined to fulfill the prophecy and emerge victorious.