The House Of Crows And Wolves

Chapter Thirty-Two: Comfort in Darkness

Jörmungandr sat alone at the bar, the dim lighting casting long shadows across his face. He downed another shot of whiskey, the burn in his throat a fleeting distraction from the grief that weighed heavily on his heart. The memory of Apep's death was a relentless torment, each moment replaying in his mind with cruel clarity.

The bar was nearly empty, the quiet hum of conversations and clinking glasses barely registering with Jörmungandr. He was lost in his sorrow, drowning in his regrets. Another drink, another futile attempt to numb the pain.

As he raised his glass for yet another drink, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Nyx, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. "Jörmungandr, you can't keep doing this to yourself."

He shook his head, his voice rough with emotion. "I have to, Nyx. I couldn't save him. I couldn't protect my own brother."

Nyx pulled up a stool beside him, her presence a comforting warmth. "Apep made his own choices. You can't blame yourself for what happened."

Jörmungandr sighed deeply, staring into his empty glass. "It's not that simple."

Nyx gently took the glass from his hand and set it aside. "Come on, let's get you back to the mansion. You need to rest."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and despair. "I don't deserve your kindness."

Nyx smiled softly. "We all have our burdens, Jörmungandr. Let me help you carry yours, if only for a little while."

With her support, Jörmungandr managed to stand. They made their way out of the bar and into the cool night air. The walk to the mansion was silent, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Nyx kept her arm around him, her touch a steadying force.

When they reached the mansion, Nyx led him to her room. She guided him to the bed, helping him sit down. "You can sleep here tonight."

Jörmungandr looked up at her, his expression vulnerable. "Thank you, Nyx."

She brushed a stray lock of hair from his face. "Rest now. You need it."

As he lay down, exhaustion overtook him, and he closed his eyes. Nyx watched him for a moment before climbing into bed beside him. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. Her presence was a soothing balm, easing the ache in his heart.

Jörmungandr drifted into a fitful sleep, the warmth of Nyx's embrace a beacon of comfort in the darkness. As he slept, Nyx held him tightly, her own heart heavy with the pain of seeing someone she cared about suffer so deeply.

In that quiet moment, amid the chaos and the looming threats, there was a fleeting sense of peace. They were not alone in their struggles, and together, they would find a way to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Jörmungandr stirred in his sleep, haunted by memories of Apep. Nyx held him closer, whispering softly, "You're not alone." Her words seemed to reach him, his tense muscles relaxing slightly. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but tonight, they had each other.

As dawn's first light crept through the window, Nyx vowed to help Jörmungandr find a way to heal. She closed her eyes, offering a silent promise to Apep. They would honor his memory by standing strong against Talon Nightshade and the dark gods. Together, they would protect their world and each other, no matter the cost.