Hellbound Heart

Chapter 352  Zeke and Alicia - Part 1

a/n: There will be several chaps under this title 'Zeke and Alicia' and it's going to be focused on Zeke and Alicia. After these chaps, the focus will be back to our main characters.

___

Back in the Black Forest...

Outside the house, the ethereal glow of moonlight filtered through the trees, casting an enchanting ambiance over the area. Inside, however, it was calm, warm, and quiet.

In the kitchen, Alicia joyfully prepared a meal for her husband and son, infusing the room with the aroma of love and home-cooked goodness.

Meanwhile, in the adjoining room, Zeke and Azy were finally having their long-awaited father-son bonding—an extraordinary bonding that had been a decade in the making. Zeke's presence was as commanding as ever, but this time, there was also an unmistakable tenderness emanating from him. He sat across from his son, his eyes locked onto Azy as the young boy attempted to control the tiny and wild pitch-black flames flickering in his small hands.

As Alicia moved quietly amidst pots and pans, she lifted her gaze towards Zeke and Azy. And instantly, her attention was captivated by the scene unfolding in the adjacent room.

It was a moment she had longed for—a moment where Ezekiel and Azy were finally together, bonding like any ordinary father and son.

As Alicia observed the scene, her heart swelled with both joy and a tinge of sadness. It was a bittersweet moment for her, as she couldn't help but reflect on the years that Ezekiel had been absent from their lives. She had often imagined what it would be like if he had been there for Azy from the very beginning. The countless moments and milestones they had missed as father and son.

Now it was finally happening, after a long... long wait. A decade to be exact.

Alicia could still remember it vividly in her mind, that moment when the darkness was swallowing her husband, taking him away from her… from them. That was the very same moment Ezekiel had broken to her the news, that she was pregnant with their child, with Azy.

Now he was here and Azy's grown to a boy that's exactly a small version of him.

She had often wondered how the father and son would connect once they were finally together. There had been a lingering worry in Alicia's heart, a fear that perhaps Azy wouldn't be able to form a normal bond with his father or that it would take a long time for him to feel comfortable around Ezekiel. After all, Ezekiel had been absent from their lives even before Azy was born. The absence of a father figure during Azy's formative years could have created a barrier between them. However, as she watched them now, Alicia's worries began to fade away.

Because here there were, already synchronizing as if this wasn't their very first time being together like this. Their demeanor, their expressions, even the subtlest of movements, mirrored one another it was simply amazing.

Alicia's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she witnessed the pure joy emanating from Azy's face. His eyes were alive with wonder and delight she had not seen in Azy's face for a long time. Alicia could tell that it was because he was finally experiencing the love and guidance of a father he had yearned for so long. It was a joy that had long been absent—a joy that had finally blossomed with the presence of his father.

Wiping her tear away, Alicia turned away, a tender smile gracing her lips as she continued with her cooking.

And as the clock ticked on, Zeke's guidance gently led Azy to gain control over his pitch-black flames. The room seemed to hold its breath, until finally, Azy's power responded, dancing under his command. Azy's face lit up with a radiant smile, his eyes sparkling with confidence and pride.

Alicia soon entered the room. Her face beaming as she proudly acknowledged Azy's ever so quick improvement.

Azy grinned at her. "Thanks mom, but it's all thanks to dad's teaching," he looked so happy. The happiest he had ever been.

"Not at all, son," Ezekiel said, his voice filled with pride as he gazed at Azy. "You are simply amazing, Azy. The way you handle your powers at such a young age surpasses anything I could have done when I was your age."

Azy's eyes widened in disbelief, his cheeks flushing as he cast a shy glance at his mother and father before speaking again. "It's because I am the son of two powerful individuals like you, Mom and Dad." He beamed at them and Zeke's smile widened.

Alicia's heart swelled with warmth as she savored the sight of Zeke's relaxed features and the unmistakable light in his eyes as he spoke with their son. It was a rare moment of pure happiness, one that she had longed for and now cherished. She couldn't help but trace the lines of his face with her gaze, memorizing every detail, every expression.

"Yes, you are right. But the power you inherited from us isn't going to define your real strength Azy. In the end, everything will be in your own two hands." Zeke told him and Azy nodded with firm gaze.

"Mom always told me power isn't everything. And I also know that my power could be very dangerous…" Azy's voice weakened a little as he stared down at his own hands. "I also know you and mom are worried because of this power I possess and that's why you are doing your best to teach me how to control it." Then he clenched his fists tight before lifting his gaze and holding his parent's eyes with determination. "Please don't worry. I will tame my own power and learn absolute control, just like you, dad. I promise I will do my best so that… when you two returns… I'm going to make you both very proud of me."

"Oh, Azy…" Alicia hugged her son.

"You are already making us proud, Azriel." Zeke said as he too joined their warm embrace.

…

In the cozy dining area, the family finally gathered around the table. The aroma of Alicia's cooking filled the room, mingling with the sweet atmosphere. The table was filled with dishes that reflected Alicia's love and care.

As the room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and the gentle crackling of the fire in the hearth, Zeke was taking a moment to observe his wife and son, his eyes shimmering.

When Alicia glanced at Zeke and saw him watching them with that breathtaking look in his eyes, she reached out and took Zeke's hand.

Soon, in the midst of their meal, laughter and conversation flowed naturally. Alicia was the one who talked the most, but eventually, due to Azy's obvious intense desire to hear more stories from his naturally. Alicia was the one who talked the most, but eventually, due to Azy's obvious intense desire to hear more stories from his father's mouth, Zeke also broke his usual silence and began sharing stories from his past, allowing both Azy and Alicia a glimpse into the days of his youth when he was being trained by Alexander.