Hellbound Heart

385  Light and Darkness - Part 3

As Alicia and Zeke danced, they created such a breathtaking image. Zeke's hand rested gently yet firmly on Alicia's back, the other holding her hand as they glided effortlessly in the air. Their movements flowed in seamless synchrony, resembling a ballet of souls dancing in perfect harmony.

Around them, the cavernous hall of the castle felt both vast and intimate, the dim light of the chandeliers casting a soft glow that enveloped them in an almost magical aura as the shadows seemed to dance along with them.

They simply looked like figures from a dream as they danced up there. Their dance could have been the subject of a masterful painting, one that captured the essence of light and darkness entwined in an eternal waltz. And if one would give that painting a title, 'The Dance of Light and Darkness' would have suited it perfectly.

Zeke and Alicia's face, as they continued their beautiful surreal dance, were filled with nothing but bliss. They might be in the underworld right now, a place of darkness and chaos and blood… but right now, within the vast, shadowy halls of this colossal castle, they had created their own sanctuary, a place where only their love existed.

Alicia knew this won't last forever. She knew this bliss will be ending soon. But she was just grateful for these moments. Dancing with Zeke in this manner, in this darkness, lost in each other and the music of their hearts, was a soothing reprieve she hadn't realized she so desperately needed.

"I love this…" she whispered. Her eyes, luminous and full of emotion, were fixed on Zeke.

Zeke's smile in response was tender. "Me too," he whispered back, before he twirled her in a graceful arc. Alicia's dress and hair fanned out around her like a halo. Then, with equal grace, he drew her back into his embrace. "I'm… so happy right now," he added. Alicia nestled closer into Zeke's embrace and rested her head against the steady rhythm of his heart. "Me too, Ezekiel," she echoed, her voice a soft murmur against the fabric of his clothing. And with that, their dance continued, each step, each turn, a silent plea for the moment to linger just a little longer. In that moment, they both wished to prolong this dance as long as they could. But the dance, as all dances must, reached its inevitable conclusion. Floating gently between the glowing chandeliers, their lips met in a union that was as natural as the coming together of two halves of a whole. As they descended gracefully, like feathers gently falling towards the ground, Alicia's fingers playfully traced Zeke's lips. "What did you do this time, hm, my husband?" she asked. She was curious and at the same time concerned about something.

"Hm?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"About my power returning," Alicia continued. "I know you must've done something, and while I'm grateful, I can't help but worry about what it might have cost you."

Zeke's slight smirk was one of both confidence and reassurance. "I'm much more powerful now than I was before, my wife. And in this world, restoring one's power isn't too difficult, provided one knows the proper way to do it."

Alicia suppressed a smile. "Why am I not surprised anymore?"

"Because you know your husband is simply amazing," he replied.

"Cocky, handsome demonic prince," she chuckled, reaching up to pinch his cheek affectionately. In response, Zeke effortlessly scooped her up in his arms once more.

"Well then… this cocky, handsome demonic prince shall now escort you to bed." "Can we bathe first?" Alicia suggested, the idea sparking a light in her eyes.

"Now that you mention it… I have something to show you, Alicia." Raising an eyebrow inquisitively, Alicia watched as Zeke carried her towards an imposing set of double doors. With a fluid motion, he pushed them open.

And when they entered the door, Alicia and Zeke were greeted by a sight of breathtaking beauty. Before them was a tranquil pool, its surface glowing with a soft, ethereal turquoise light that seemed to emanate from within the water itself. This serene glow bathed the surrounding area in a magical luminescence, lending an otherworldly quality to the scene.

The pool's edge was marked by stone steps, gracefully descending into the clear waters. These steps appeared almost sculpted, their edges softened by the gentle, radiant light. On either side of the staircase stood two impressive stone towers. Between these two sentinel towers arched a magnificent gateway, its peak curving elegantly skyward. The archway framed a picturesque view of a cascading waterfall that tumbled from an unseen source high above. The waterfall's waters, infused with the same captivating turquoise luminescence, seemed to dance and play as they made their descent, merging seamlessly with the pool below.

There were also lanterns dotting the area. They were hung at strategic points and their gentle light casting a warm, golden glow. This soft illumination complemented the mystical light of the water, creating an ambiance that was both magical and inviting. Alicia stood in awe, her gaze sweeping over the place. "I didn't know... a place like this exists here," she said, her voice a whisper of wonder and surprise.

Zeke, watching her reactions with an unreadable expression, nodded. "There are many waters in the underworld too, but to find one as pure and clear as this is rare indeed. This pool is exceptional. I've yet to find clearer waters than these."

Alicia turned to him, a playful suspicion in her eyes. "Why do I feel like you decided to take over this insanely colossal castle just for this clear water here?" Zeke leaned in closer, his lips finding her earlobe in a playful and tender gesture. "This place," he murmured softly in her ear, "reminds me of that little spring where we bathed together on the night we first made love." Alicia's cheeks flushed at the memory. She looked at the setting again, at the pool and she couldn't help but bite her lower lip. "You're right..." she said softly, her eyes drinking in the serene beauty before them. "Shall I?" Zeke asked, his fingers now deftly playing at the hem of her dress.

Alicia smiled and nodded. "You're really going to spoil me rotten, Ezekiel."