24.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR.

Xyriel looked down at me, worry deep in his eyes as he checked the wound on my side. Blood covered his fingers, and he looked like he was breaking inside. Then, to my shock, a single tear slipped from his eye. I’d never seen him cry before. Without thinking, I reached up, wiped it away, and whispered, “I’m okay, Xyriel. I’m healing already.”

But just as he started to calm down, I felt a chill run down my spine. My eyes widened as I saw Xykel behind him, moving closer with a wicked smile. Fear tightened my throat, and before I knew it, I was screaming, “Xyriel, behind you!”

Xyriel was already turning, his eyes narrowing as he caught Xykel’s hand mid-swing.

They clashed fiercely, shadows and light bursting around them. Xykel’s face twisted with fury, but then, suddenly, his expression crumbled, and he staggered back, looking at Xyriel with a mix of anger and heartbreak. “You… you abandoned me, Xyriel!” Xykel choked, his voice breaking. “Left me to suffer alone, all for your duty and honor.”

Xyriel held steady, his face hard, but I could see the pain in his eyes. “You chose this path, Xykel,” he replied, his voice tight. “I didn’t abandon you; I tried to save you from yourself.”

But Xykel shook his head, his face crumbling even more as tears slipped down his cheeks. “You were supposed to be my brother. You were supposed to stand by me!” His voice softened, a trace of the younger brother he once was breaking through, and for a moment, I saw real sorrow there.

Just as quickly as his sadness had come, his face twisted into a cruel smile, his eyes darkening with a new, almost mad hatred. His voice grew low and mocking. “But you never truly cared. You were always the ‘better’ one, weren’t you, Xyriel? Always so strong, so noble. So let’s see how strong you are when you’re alone—just like you left me.”

Xyriel’s jaw clenched, his fists sparking with energy as he readied himself. “This isn’t the way, Xykel. Don’t do this.”

But Xykel just laughed, a broken, bitter sound that echoed through the room. “Oh, but it’s already done, dear brother.” He launched himself at Xyriel with renewed fury, shadows twisting around his hands as he tried to strike again and again.

Then, as they struggled, Xykel turned his gaze on me, his eyes flickering with something dark and dangerous. “Maybe I’ll take her from you,” he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. “Then you’ll know what it feels like to lose everything.”

He darted toward me, a glint of cruelty in his eyes, but before he could touch me, Xyriel’s arm shot out, grabbing Xykel’s wrist with a force that made his brother cry out. Xykel’s smile faded, replaced by shock as he looked down to see Xyriel’s hand glowing with a fierce, blinding energy.

“This ends now, Xykel,” Xyriel said, his voice a low, cold promise. And with a final surge of power, he sent the energy through Xykel’s body, a bright light filling the room as Xykel staggered back, blood trickling down his mouth.

Xykel’s eyes dimmed, his smile twisted one last time as he looked at Xyriel. “You’ll… never be free of me,” he whispered, a bitter laugh escaping as he collapsed to the ground.

In an instant, Xyriel turned, his face hardening as he sensed the danger. He grabbed Xykel’s hand just as his brother tried to strike. With a fierce look, Xyriel sent a burst of energy straight through Xykel’s chest. Xykel’s face twisted in pain and surprise as he stumbled back, clutching the wound.

“You… really think this is the end?” Xykel rasped, his voice weak, but still filled with anger. Blood trickled from his mouth as he looked up, still defiant.

Xyriel didn’t answer; he just watched as Xykel took his last, shaky breaths, “Remember you killed me, your brother.” And then, with one last gasp, Xykel fell to the ground, lifeless.

Silence filled the room. Xyriel let out a long breath, and his shoulders slumped, the weight of everything heavy on him. I reached for his hand, and he held on, squeezing tightly as he looked at me, filled with relief and sadness.

“Ophelia…” he whispered, as if making sure I was really there. And in that moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

Xyriel picked me up without a word, and though I tried to tell him I could walk, one look from him silenced me. His eyes were fierce, a mixture of pain and protectiveness that left no room for argument. I gave in, resting my head against his chest as he carried me away from the chaos.

As he moved, I glanced back, catching a glimpse of the humans we had saved. They were huddled together, some crying, some holding onto each other tightly. They were alive. Safe. For the first time in what felt like forever, they had hope. And I realized, despite everything, that was a victory.

I was glad none of them had died at the hands of Xykel, the struggles and pain they had been through. It was never their fault, but just because they came to the planet. Now it's all over.

Peace will reign.

Xyriel carried me to a quiet room, laying me gently on the bed as if I were made of glass. I tried to sit up, but he stopped me, his hands warm and steady on my shoulders. With careful hands, he started to peel back the fabric around my wound. I winced as he removed the cloth, and I could see the blood still seeping from the cut.

When I looked up, he was watching me, his gaze heavy with guilt. His jaw was clenched, his eyes full of something I hadn’t expected to see—tears. My heart twisted, breaking for him. This powerful, unshakable being, feared by so many, was barely holding back his own pain.

Gently, I reached up, placing a soft kiss on his forehead, hoping it would bring him some comfort. He closed his eyes, his head bowing as he leaned into me. And then, silently, he began to cry.

His shoulders trembled, the tears slipping down his face as he held onto me, his grief finally spilling over. I wrapped my arms around him, stroking his hair softly, letting him release the weight he’d been carrying. I knew he felt guilty, felt responsible for having to end his brother’s life. It was tearing him apart, but I also knew he had no other choice.

After a long moment, Xyriel pulled back slightly, his eyes red but more resolute. He placed his hand over my wound, his fingers glowing with a gentle light as he concentrated. A warmth spread through my body, soothing the pain and slowly sealing the injury. I watched his face as he healed me, the sadness lingering in his gaze, but determination there, too.

“I'm sorry.” He said, looking at me.

I held him close to me, “You have nothing to be sorry about. You saved me, saved them.”

“Yeah, but… you're hurt. I watched him hurt you and I couldn't do anything to stop that from happening. I am sorry I couldn't be a worthy partner to you.”

I shushed him up on his lips, “You're strong, brave and a savior to many. No one or man can stand up to you. You saved me Xyriel and for that, I am grateful for everything.”

“I'm glad you are alive.”

When he finished, he stayed close, his hand resting over mine. In that silence, I knew we both understood: sometimes, even gods had to make impossible choices. And sometimes, even gods needed comfort.