Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Finally something had gone
his way. Azagoth was going to have all his young children here, delivered out
of their human hells and raised with brothers and sisters who shared similar
experiences. His kids would be happy, well cared for, and he planned to play an
active role in their upbringing.
He never would have imagined that
any of this could happen. Hell, he hadn’t wanted it to happen. Not for
thousands of years. Lilliana had changed him, and it was absolutely for the
better. Sure, there was the downside of experiencing things like hurt and
guilt, but love was worth it.
Lilliana was worth it.
He swept into the bedroom, prepared to sweep her into his
arms and show her what she meant to him. He was going to spend a full day doing
nothing but spoiling her. Feeding her the best food. Bathing her in a tub full
of Champagne. Tending to her every want and need.
But the second he stepped across the threshold, he knew
something was wrong.
Terror formed like a hot coal in his belly, turning to
downright panic when he saw the note on his pillow.
His hand shook as he picked it up
the lavender-scented paper, and his eyes grew blurry as he read his mate’s
flowing script.
My Love,
You are my world. You know that. I’ve never been happier
than I have been since I met you, and you’ve said the same about me. But right now I think we’re both overwhelmed by the changes in our
lives and the emotions those changes have unearthed. You have so many children
you need to get to know and to understand, and you need to do it on your own. I
can’t help anymore, not when my presence is causing
confusion.
As for myself, you know I love your sons and daughters.
Well, I love many of them. Others I’m still getting to know. Still
others...well, there are a few who vex me and a couple who actively despise me,
and I’m not overly fond of them either. No matter what, though, I want your
family around us, and I’m excited for all the little ones who will be saved
from miserable lives in the human world and who will be brought to Sheoul-gra
to know their siblings and father.
You need to handle it yourself. You’ll be fine. I know
you will.
I won’t be gone long, I don’t think, but I promise, I’ll
be back.
I love you.
Lilliana
The letter slipped from Azagoth’s numb fingers. He watched
it float to the floor as he sank to his knees, his legs unable to support the
weight of his grief.
Lilliana had left him. He didn’t know how she’d done it,
given that she’d been all but locked inside Sheoul-gra by archangels, but
somehow, she’d escaped.
She said it was temporary, and he believed her. So as much
as he wanted to scream, to throw Sheoul-gra into chaos, he had to resist. He
had to justify her faith in him.
He’d welcome his new children and make things right with the
ones already living here.
And then he’d fight like hell to get Lilliana back and to
make sure she never left again.