Crimson Bonds

Chapter 58: A World on Edge

The weight of the supernatural world's disarray hung heavy in the air. No matter how much they had hoped to step away from it all, Billy and Babe were pulled back into the fray. The factions that once operated with quiet order had descended into chaos. The Council, fractured by corruption, struggled to reassert itself as the primary governing force. Supernatural beings, once loyal to one another, now turned suspicious gazes on their allies.

Babe watched as a gathering of Council members debated fiercely in the distance. Their voices, usually calm and collected, now rose in panicked tones. Fear had spread like wildfire, and distrust was its fuel. Babe could feel the tension growing with every passing minute. He looked toward Billy, who stood a few paces away, his jaw tight and eyes narrowed as he listened intently to the ongoing debate.

"I thought we'd have more time," Babe whispered, mostly to himself.

Billy's gaze flickered to him. "We should have known better," he said, his voice low but filled with the weight of their situation. "The Leviathans... they left scars, even after we pushed them back."

Babe sighed, cradling their child closer to his chest. He'd hoped for peace, hoped that after everything they'd fought for, they could finally enjoy the life they had built together. But the supernatural world didn't work like that. It never had. And with their child—a being of immense potential—there was always going to be something or someone trying to exploit that power.

Suddenly, one of the Council members, a vampire elder named Garrick, stormed toward them. His dark robes billowed behind him, and his eyes were sharp with accusation. "You've been keeping something from us," he hissed, his gaze narrowing on Babe.

Billy's expression darkened. "Watch your tone, Garrick," he warned, stepping protectively between Garrick and Babe.

Garrick scoffed, undeterred by Billy's presence. "We've heard whispers—rumors that you know more about the prophecy than you're letting on. That your child is the key to all of this."

Babe tensed, his grip tightening around their child. "We don't owe you an explanation," he said, his voice steady but strained. He'd had enough of the Council's manipulation, enough of their endless demands.

"You owe the supernatural world the truth," Garrick snapped. "We deserve to know what kind of threat we're dealing with."

Billy's eyes flashed dangerously. "Our child is not a threat," he growled. "The real danger is your lack of trust. We've given everything to protect this world. Don't make the mistake of turning us into your enemies."

Garrick's lips curled into a sneer. "Maybe we should've never trusted you in the first place."

Before the confrontation could escalate further, another Council member stepped forward—Elara, a witch elder who had always been a voice of reason. Her eyes were calm, though the tension in the air was palpable. "This isn't the time for accusations," she said, her tone firm but diplomatic. "We need to stand together, not tear each other apart."

Babe exhaled, grateful for Elara's intervention. But the damage had been done. The Council was divided, and their child was at the center of it. No matter how much they tried to shield their family from the world's expectations, the prophecy had made it impossible to escape the scrutiny.

As the meeting dispersed, Billy and Babe found themselves walking through the quiet corridors of the Council's estate, away from the chaos of the factions. The weight of the accusations still lingered between them.

"They'll never stop coming for us," Babe said softly, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "For our child."

Billy stopped in his tracks, turning to face Babe. His expression softened as he reached out, cupping Babe's face gently. "We'll protect them," he said firmly. "No matter what."

Babe met his gaze, his heart swelling with the depth of their bond. Even in the face of danger, Billy was his constant, his rock. And in moments like these, when the world seemed to crumble around them, Babe found strength in that unwavering support.

Billy's lips curved into a small smile, his hand trailing down to rest on Babe's waist. "Come on," he said, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. "Let's get out of here."

They retreated to their private quarters, a sanctuary away from the prying eyes of the Council. The tension of the day melted away as soon as they were alone, the air between them shifting from anxiety to quiet comfort. Babe leaned into Billy, his head resting against his husband's shoulder.

"Thank you," Babe whispered. "For always being here."

Billy kissed the top of Babe's head, his hand tracing gentle circles on Babe's back. "You don't have to thank me," he murmured. "You and Pudding are my everything."

Babe chuckled softly at the mention of their child's nickname. "Mumu," he said, his voice playful now, teasing but filled with affection.

Billy grinned, his arms tightening around Babe. "Tofu," he whispered back, his voice warm and full of love.

The heat between them grew, a slow, burning intensity that was as much a reflection of their emotional connection as it was their physical desire for each other. In the safety of their private space, they found solace in one another, their bodies moving together in a way that was both tender and passionate.

For a moment, the world outside didn't exist. It was just them—Billy, Babe, and their child. And in that moment, it was enough.