Hellbound Heart

"I can't." Alex immediately replied. His expression remained serious "My priority right now is Azy and you. Also, this could be another trap to divert my attention. Leaving the Black Forest at a time like this is always too risky."

"But Alexander... what if Sebastian will..." Alicia's words trailed off before she shook her head slowly, keeping her gaze at him unrelenting. "There is no one else who could possibly take a hold of that guy but you. That's why you really need to go to him before something really regretful happens. You know what could happen if Sebastian ends up losing himself."

"Sebastian is a mere vampire now, Alicia." Alex stressed even though he fully understood Alicia's concern.

"I know. But still, Sebastian had been born a half-demon. His demonic powers might be gone but demon blood still flows through his veins. Anything could happen Alexander, you know that."

"You can go, dad." Alexis spoke when Alex fell silent for a moment, causing the three adults to snap their heads towards the boy. Azy was right next to him. Both boys exuded a serious and heavy aura all over them that had the adults falling speechless. "Azy and I can protect the Black Forest, dad. So please don't worry about us and just go to uncle Sebastian."

The dark energy swirled stronger around Azy as though he was using his power as the alternative to his voice to second Alexis' words. Though not speaking, his eyes were firm and intense, showing his completely similar stand to Alexis on this matter.

"Good grief." Alex sighed. "Now... now... relax Azy. Don't go around displaying your power like that. Do you even have any idea how strong the magic coming out of you right now is, huh? Zeke's kid?"

"He knows, dad. He's just trying to show you how strong he is now and that he's definitely capable." Alexis looked so incredibly serious while Azy innocently nodded, just agreeing with anything that Alexis had said.

Alex shifted his gaze back to his son. His grey eyes were bright and... they did not look like the eyes of a child right now. Sometimes, especially during times like these, Alex could not help but feel a little troubled at how much this son of his was growing and changing every day. He was only an adorable little rascal a few years ago yet now here he was, staring back at him like he was no longer a mere boy.

He was also a little concerned at how much he seemed to be influencing Azy. Since the day these two boys met, they had been almost inseparable. And as the days went by, it was almost like Azy had been completely influenced by Alexis to the extent that Azy had become Alexis' shadow, just following right behind him, agreeing and doing everything that Alexis did.

And no matter how Alex had tried to intervene between their seemingly unusual and still growing bond by separating them, it did nothing to change the relationship between the two boys. Sometimes, Alex could not help but wonder if Azy was truly following Alexis so zealously of his own free will or was he just very influenced by his son.

"I did not persuade Azy, dad, if that's what you're wondering." Alexis said, as though being able to read through his father's thoughts and directly answered Alex's doubts. This only caused Alex's eyes to widen a little before he pinched the skin between his brows. "Maybe... the two of us just think and want exactly the very same thing. That is why we get on together so wonderfully."

Again... Azy nodded. Agreeing ferociously to what Alexis had just said. Alexander just barely held himself back from rolling his eyes at the complementing actions of both boys.

"So, dad... please stop worrying and trust us just a little. I don't have the power that Azy has but I'm your son. And I'm immortal. These reasons should be enough for you to put some faith in me. Right...?" And Alexis confidently grinned at his father, waiting for the man's final word on the matter. He even looked confident that Alex was going to give in eventually.

Another sigh escaped Alex. Really... he wished that these two would act their age!

He then stretched out his hand and lightly flicked at Alexis' forehead. "Didn't I tell you not to act and talk like an old man? You know how much Azy here is following your example, Alexis."

"Just for tonight, dad. And don't we play like we're children during the day anyway?"

"Like children you say... I should really send you both to a normal school soon. You both need to see what children your age are supposed to be playing at."

The two boys simply glanced at each other.

"Also. I never said that I don't have faith in you, Alexis. So don't be putting that thought in your head. I just..." Alex sighed for the nth time. "We'll talk about it once this malarkey is over."

"Yes, dad." Alexis nodded obediently. Then he smiled sweetly.

"I had not agreed to go yet." Alex arched a brow at his son, causing the boy to blink a couple of times.

The boy's smile faltered. "Oh, come on, dad. Auntie said uncle Sebastian badly needed you."

"It's okay, Alex." Abigail finally butted in. Flashing a gentle smile at her husband. "I understand your worries, but... I am still here too. Don't you forget what your own wife is capable of." She raised a brow at him and Alex finally gave in, figuratively raising his white flag.

"Fine... fine... you all win this round. I'm going. Now, my love... I'm leaving everyone in your care." Alex said and reached out to pull Abi in for a kiss on the head.

"Count on me, my love." Abi replied and Alex ruffled his son's head next.

The father and son stared at each other and after a wordless conversation, Alex finally left.