Johan and Nora entered the castle, greeted by a scene they never thought they would witness.
The immense hallways stretched endlessly, with grand arches and towering pillars that seemed
to touch the heavens. Despite Johan's blindness, he felt the sheer magnitude of the place, the
way every corner whispered tales of ancient, godlike battles. The air was thick with the echoes
of history, each stone and crack in the walls telling stories of conquests and devastating defeats.
Nora grasped Johan's arm tightly, ensuring that neither of them got lost in the labyrinthine
structure. The castle was a maze, its vast halls and winding corridors twisting and turning with
no clear direction. Every shadow seemed to hold a secret, every echo a warning. The castle's
size was overwhelming, its grandeur almost oppressive, with vast empty rooms that once held
armies and throne rooms that bore the weight of immense power.
As they ventured deeper, they encountered deadly traps hidden within the castle's deceptive
beauty. Hidden spikes shot from the floor, and pendulums swung silently from the ceiling.
Johan's heightened senses allowed him to detect the subtle changes in air pressure and the
faint mechanical sounds of the traps being triggered. He pulled Nora back just in time as a row of
razor-sharp blades sliced through the air where she had been standing. The traps were brutal,
designed to maim and kill intruders without mercy.
Despite it being daytime outside, the castle was shrouded in perpetual night. The dim light
filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.
The oppressive darkness seemed to close in around them, making it difficult to distinguish one
hallway from another. Time seemed to stretch, each minute feeling like an eternity.
They wandered the castle for hours, the sense of foreboding growing with each step. Midnight
came, and with it, Nora's fear reached a breaking point. She clutched Johan's arm, her breath
coming in short gasps. "I can't take it anymore," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I
have a fear of being lost and closed spaces. It's suffocating."
Johan stopped and turned towards her, his blind eyes seemingly piercing the darkness. He
placed his hands gently on her shoulders. "Nora, listen to me," he said softly. "We are not
lost. We are together, and as long as we have each other, we will find our way out. Focus on my
voice and my touch. Breathe with me."
He began to breathe slowly and deeply, guiding her with his calm presence. Nora matched his
breaths, feeling the panic slowly ebb away. "I've got you," Johan continued. "We will make
it through this, I promise. Just stay with me. Let me guide you this time."
Nora nodded, her grip on his arm tightening but her breathing steadying. They pressed on,
navigating the treacherous corridors with renewed determination. Every step was a challenge,
every turn a potential trap, but Johan's unwavering confidence and Nora's newfound courage
kept them moving forward.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they emerged into a vast, empty throne room. The room
was massive, with high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting legendary
battles. An enormous, intricately carved throne sat at the far end, a symbol of power and
authority.
Nora threw her arms around Johan, her relief palpable. "See, I told you we would make it,"
Johan said with a smile. "I have a good sense of direction...most of the time, getting lost is my
hobby."
Nora chuckled, thier arms wrapping around each other in a comforting embrace. "You did well,
sweetie. We made it through together." said Nora.
They stood there for a moment, basking in their small victory, the horrors of the castle behind
them. The throne room, though empty and grand, felt less intimidating with their shared triumph.
As they looked around, they knew that their journey was almost over, they must find Malek.
Nora ventured deeper into the castle, her curiosity piqued by the vastness and mystery of the
place. Johan, feeling the textures and listening to the echoes, made his way to the grand throne.
He ascended the steps and, in a moment of playful defiance, sat on the throne with his legs
crossed, attempting to strike a regal pose.
Nora, meanwhile, discovered a garden unlike any she had ever seen. The plants were
extraordinary: bioluminescent flowers that glowed in a spectrum of colors, leaves that
shimmered like silver in the dim light, and vines that seemed to pulse with a gentle, otherworldly
energy. There were herbs with leaves shaped like stars, and blossoms that exuded a scent so
intoxicating it made her momentarily dizzy. Each plant was a marvel of nature, enhanced by
some ancient magic that made them both beautiful and slightly unnerving.
As she explored, Nora found a black and crimson cape lying beside a pool, scattered with black
feathers. Nearby, she noticed a pile of women's clothes. A mischievous smile crossed her face as
she imagined the "great and historical battle" that might have occurred there. Gathering the
clothes and feathers, she returned to the throne room to show Johan.
Johan's werewolf instincts flared as he caught the scent from the cape and feathers. His eyes
narrowed, and his voice took on a feral edge. "The smell... it's familiar."
Nora nodded, her own excitement building. "Malek?" she asked.
Johan nodded, his senses keenly attuned to the familiar scent. "He must be here."
He pointed to the walls, where the presence of portraits were clear to Nora's vision. Nora went
and examined the paintings. She saw an image of Dracula, imposing and regal, yet a little familiar
to someone she knows. Beside him was a beautiful red-haired woman, her features striking and
noble. Another portrait depicted Veronica Harker, her beauty cold and menacing. But it was the
last portrait that caught Nora's eye—a girl with red hair, her resemblance to the deceased
Mary Anderson, the orphanage owner, was uncanny.
Nora's mind raced. "Are they related to Mary?" she wondered aloud, thinking that the red
haired woman could be the mother of the girl, possibly linked to Dracula.
Johan, feeling the contours of the portraits, accidentally knocked down Dracula's portrait.
Behind it was an almost finished painting that made Nora gasp. It depicted a male figure with
black hair, a mirror image of Johan's white locks, but with eyes that gleamed red, exuding
power and nobility. The face was a carbon copy of Johan's, yet more intense.
Johan, sensing her shock, asked, "What do you see?"
Nora, still staring at the portrait, whispered one word, "Malek."
As Johan and Nora stood in the silent reverence of the throne room, the air suddenly grew thick
with an oppressive presence. Out of the shadows, they emerged— the four powerful demon
warriors. Chariot, High Priestess, Strength, and The Fool.
The Fool spoke. "This is Lord Malek's domain. Intruders shall be punished."
Johan, his fury barely contained, snarled, "Lord Malek? Malek is not like you. He is no disgusting
demon."
Chariot's eyes narrowed as she studied Johan. "You look much like Lord Malek. Perhaps you are
the one we seek."
Nora, confused but defiant, demanded, "What do you mean?"
High Priestess's voice was a silky whisper, "You, Johan, are the son of Van Helsing. Lord Azazel
despises the Van Helsings and wishes them dead."
Nora stepped forward, her voice trembling with anger, "Azazel sees Johan as he sees his own
son, like how he sees Malek."
Strength's hollow gaze fixed on Johan. "Only one Malek can exist, and not this lie."
Fueled with rage, Nora drew her sword, its blade glinting with righteous fury "I'll cut off this
filthy tongue of yours". Johan transformed into his vampiric werewolf form, his muscles rippling
with primal power, fangs bared in a snarl.
The battle commenced with a fury that shook the very foundations of the castle. Chariot darted
forward, her scimitars flashing like lightning. Johan parried with his claws, their clash sending
sparks flying. Her speed was astounding, but Johan's heightened senses allowed him to anticipate
her every move.
Strength lunged at Nora, his massive fists crashing down like sledgehammers. Nora deftly
dodged, her sword slicing through the air with precision. She struck at the joints in his
exoskeleton, each hit accompanied by a spray of dark ichor. His roars of pain echoed through
the hall, but he did not relent.
High Priestess chanted arcane words, her staff glowing with dark energy. She unleashed bolts of
shadowy magic at Johan, who deflected them with his claws, each bolt leaving a sizzling mark
where it struck.
The Fool danced around the battlefield, his laughter a haunting melody. He threw deadly trinkets
at Nora, who deflected them with her sword. His unpredictable movements made him a difficult
target, but Nora's determination fueled her every strike.
Johan roared, his claws rending the air as he clashed with Chariot. Their battle was a blur of
motion, a deadly dance of predator and prey. He managed to land a powerful blow, sending her
crashing into a wall, but she quickly recovered, her eyes blazing with hatred.
Nora faced off against Strength, her every move a calculated strike. She feinted and dodged, her
sword finding the weak points in his armor. With a final, powerful thrust, she drove her blade
into his chest, but the demon only roared louder, his rage unquenchable.
High Priestess's dark magic filled the room with an eerie glow. She conjured shadowy tentacles
that writhed and lashed out at Johan. He tore through them with savage ferocity, his eyes locked
on her hooded figure.
The Fool, seeing an opportunity, lunged at Nora, his daggers aimed for her heart. She spun and
parried, her blade slicing through his jester's garb. He cackled maniacally, unfazed by the
wounds, his attacks growing more erratic and dangerous.
The throne room became a whirlwind of violence and chaos once again, each combatant
pushing themselves to their limits. Johan's roars of fury mingled with the demonic cries, and
Nora's determined shouts pierced the din. The battle raged on, as the castle bore witness to a
clash of titanic forces.
The battle raged on, a symphony of chaos and destruction. Johan's powerful roars and Nora's
fierce shouts echoed through the throne room, mingling with the guttural growls and hisses of
the demons. Each clash of steel and claw sent sparks flying, illuminating the grand hall with
bursts of fiery light.
Chariot, her serpentine body moving with blinding speed, lunged at Johan once more. Her
scimitars sliced through the air, aiming for his heart. Johan, his senses heightened by his
vampiric werewolf form, anticipated her strike. With a powerful leap, he dodged her attack and
landed behind her. Before she could react, he drove his claws into her back, tearing through her
obsidian scales. Chariot let out a blood-curdling scream as Johan ripped her apart, her body
convulsing in agony.
Strength, undeterred by Nora's relentless assault, charged at her with renewed fury. His
massive fists crashed down like hammers, but Nora's agility kept her one step ahead. She moved
fast around him, her sword slicing through the air with precision. She found the weak points in
his exoskeleton, each strike chipping away at his defenses. With a final, powerful thrust, she
drove her blade deep into his chest, piercing his heart. Strength let out a guttural roar, his
massive body shaking violently before crumbling to the ground, his eyes dimming to lifeless
voids.
High Priestess, her dark magic crackling with malevolent energy, unleashed a torrent of
shadowy bolts at Johan. He deflected them with his claws, each impact leaving a searing mark.
She chanted an incantation, summoning shadowy tentacles that writhed and lashed out at him.
But Johan's fury was unstoppable. He tore through the tentacles, his claws rending them to
shreds. With a savage leap, he closed the distance between them and sank his fangs into her
neck. High Priestess's eyes widened in shock and pain as Johan drained her of her dark essence,
her body falling limp in his grasp.
The Fool, his laughter a haunting melody, lunged at Nora with deadly intent. His daggers
gleamed with lethal energy as he aimed for her heart. But Nora's resolve was unyielding. She
parried his attacks, her blade flashing with righteous fury. She struck at him with relentless
precision, each blow finding its mark. The Fool, his grin faltering, tried to retreat, but Nora was
relentless. With a final, powerful strike, she drove her sword through his chest, piercing his
twisted heart. The Fool let out a final, agonized laugh before crumpling to the ground, his eyes
dimming to lifelessness.
As the dust settled, Johan and Nora stood amidst the carnage, their breaths ragged but
triumphant. The demons lay defeated, their bodies broken and lifeless. Johan and Nora had
emerged victorious, their resolve and strength proving greater than the malevolent forces they
faced. Chariot's lifeless body twitched, her eyes still burning with disbelief. "How... how could we
be defeated... by a werewolf and a human?" she gasped, her voice weak and filled with
incredulity, the demon warrior collapsed into a lifeless heap.
As Johan and Nora caught their breath, a deafening crash echoed through the throne room.
Shards of stained glass rained down as a massive figure broke through the castle window. With
feathery wings as black as midnight and dark abyss eyes, the creature landed with a thunderous
impact. Beside him, a red harpy with fiery feathers and sharp with predatory yellow eyes.
The black-winged creature's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "I was not expecting visitors."
The red harpy's laugh was sharp and cruel. "A werewolf and a human Intruders, no less."
Nora, undeterred, stepped forward, her sword gleaming in the dim light. "We're looking for
Malek."
The black creature's laugh was deep and mocking. "Oh, you want Malek, I'll give you Malek," he
said, his voice dripping with dark amusement.
Without warning, the red harpy lunged at Nora, her talons outstretched. She grabbed Nora and
flew out of the throne room, carrying her towards the castle garden. Johan, left alone with the
black-winged monster, his werewolf growl resonating with raw power. The throne room became
their battlefield. Johan charged with ferocity, his claws slashing through the air. The black
creature met his attack with a swipe of his massive, clawed hand. The impact sent shockwaves
through the room, causing the walls to tremble. Johan's claws raked across the creature's chest,
drawing dark crimson, ichor-like blood. But the wound closed almost instantly, the creature's
regenerative abilities formidable.
"You'll have to do better than that," the winged beast taunted, his voice a low growl.
Johan pushed his limits, every muscle in his body straining as he launched a barrage of powerful
strikes. The creature matched him blow for blow, their clash sending sparks flying. The air
crackled with dark energy, the very atmosphere charged with their fury. Johan's attacks were
relentless, each strike imbued with the strength of a desperate warrior. Yet, the presence of the
winged monster seemed to sap his power, weakening him with every passing moment.
The creature's wings unfurled, casting a shadow over Johan. With a powerful beat, he took to
the air, hovering above the ground. Dark energy swirled around him as he chanted an
incantation, summoning a barrage of shadowy projectiles. Johan dodged and deflected as many
as he could, but a few found their mark, searing his flesh with malevolent energy.
"You fight well, werewolf," the creature admitted, his eyes narrowing. "It has been a while since I
faced such a powerful opponent."
Johan's breath came in ragged gasps, but his resolve remained unbroken. He leaps into the air,
his claws glowing with a mystical energy as he aimed for the creature's heart. The winged being
caught Johan mid-air, their struggle a breathtaking display of raw power and skill. Johan's claws
dug into the creature's flesh, tearing through muscle and bone. The creature roared in pain and
fury, its wings beating furiously as it tried to shake Johan off.
With a final, desperate effort, Johan managed to drive his claws deep into the creature's neck.
The beast howled in agony, its body convulsing. For a moment, it seemed as if Johan had won.
But the creature's eyes flared with a renewed, dark energy, and it flung Johan across the room
with a surge of strength. Johan crashed into a wall, the impact leaving him dazed and bleeding.
The winged being landed heavily, its wounds closing rapidly. "Impressive," it said, its voice laced
with grudging respect. "You are the first to push me this far in a long time."
Johan struggled to his feet, his body battered but his spirit unyielding. "This isn't over," he
growled, his eyes blazing with determination.
The creature laughed, a sound filled with dark amusement. "No, it is not," he agreed, his wings
spreading wide.
The winged creature stretched out his arm, his eyes gleaming with a cruel satisfaction.
Suddenly, the legendary silver Unmaker Spear showed up fast, hurtling through the air with
unerring accuracy. It impaled Johan's heart, pinning him to the wall. Johan's body convulsed in
agony, his strength ebbing away as the spear's ancient magic sapped his life force.
"Now it is over," the winged beast declared, his voice echoing with finality.
Meanwhile, in the castle garden, the red harpy and Nora faced off. The garden, a place of eerie
beauty with its unusual plants and herbs, became their battleground. The harpy's fiery feathers
glowed against the night, her eyes burning with malice.
"I'll go easy on you" the harpy sneered, her voice dripping with contempt.
Nora, her sword at the ready, narrowed her eyes. "Give it all you've got," she dared, her voice
steady despite the pounding of her heart. She was still carrying Johan's child, and every fiber of
her being screamed to protect their unborn life.
The harpy lunged, her talons slashing through the air. Nora met her attack head-on, their clash
sending sparks flying. The harpy's speed was unmatched, her movements a blur as she darted
around Nora. Despite the creature's advantage, Nora's determination drove her to push her
limits. She swung her sword with precision, each strike aimed to wound.
The harpy's talons raked across Nora's arm, drawing blood. Nora gritted her teeth against
the pain, retaliating with a swift slash that sliced through the harpy's wing. The creature
screeched in pain but healed almost instantly, her feathers mending before Nora's eyes.
"You're tenacious," the harpy admitted, a twisted smile playing on her lips. "But it won't
save you."
Nora's breath came in ragged gasps, her body weakened by the harpy's relentless assault.
Yet she fought on, driven by the fierce love she held for Johan and their unborn child. She
summoned every ounce of strength, her movements a dance of defiance and skill.
The harpy launched a barrage of attacks, crimson sharp feathers launched through the air.
Nora dodged and deflected as many as she could, but a few found their mark, cutting her
flesh. She stumbled, her strength waning, but her spirit remained unbroken.
"You fight well for a human," the harpy conceded, circling Nora with predatory grace. "But
you're outmatched."
Nora's grip tightened on her sword. "I won't give up," she declared, her voice a fierce
whisper.
With a roar, the harpy charged, her talons glowing with a malevolent energy. Nora met her
in a clash of steel and fury. The garden was a blur of motion, their forms entwined in a
deadly dance.
Despite the harpy's regenerative abilities, Nora managed to land a series of devastating
blows. The harpy's screeches filled the air as Nora's sword found its mark again and again.
But the creature's resilience was formidable, and her wounds healed almost as quickly as
they were inflicted.
Nora's vision blurred, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her. She stumbled, her knees
buckling, but she refused to fall. With a final, desperate effort, she drove her sword into the
harpy's chest, but missed the heart, the blade sinking deep.
The harpy's eyes widened in shock and fury. "It seems like I underestimated you," she
hissed.
Nora pulled her sword free, her body trembling with exhaustion. The harpy staggered back,
her wounds closing slowly this time. The battle had taken its toll on both of them, and the
garden bore the scars of their bloody clash.
The black-winged creature stared in shock. "Impossible," he muttered, his eyes wide with
disbelief. "The Unmaker was designed for someone special to unlock a limit-breaking power.
Could this werewolf be...?"
Johan's wings unfurled, and he launched himself at the creature with a newfound fury. The
clash of their powers created shockwaves that reverberated through the castle. The throne
room shook, ancient stone walls trembling under the force of their battle. Johan's claws
glowed with a celestial light, while the creature's dark energy crackled around him like a
storm.
"You've underestimated me," Johan growled, his voice a blend of bestial and divine tones.
"And now you'll pay the price."
The creature snarled, his black wings flaring out as he retaliated with savage intensity.
They exchanged blows that would have shattered lesser beings, their movements a blur of
speed and power. Johan's claws raked across the creature's chest, leaving deep, glowing
wounds that healed almost instantly. The creature retaliated with a barrage of dark energy,
but Johan's angelic wings shielded him, their luminescence absorbing the impact.
The creature's frustration grew as he realized the Unmaker's true potential had been
unlocked by fusing with Johan. "You... you're negating my powers," he hissed, his voice
tinged with desperation.
Johan's eyes blazed with determination. "I won't let you harm anyone ever again."
Their battle raged on, each clash a testament to their incredible strength. The throne room
was a maelstrom of light and shadow, their forms locked in a deadly dance. Despite the
creature's rapid healing, Johan's newfound power allowed him to keep pace. He struck with
precision, each blow weakening his opponent.
Finally, with a roar that shook the very foundations of the castle, Johan drove his clawed
hand into the creature's chest. The black-winged being's eyes widened in shock and pain as
Johan's hand pierced his heart. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, the
creature's form began to shift and waver, reverting to a human-like shape. Johan withdrew
his hand, his breath ragged, and watched as the creature fell to his knees, clutching his
chest.
"You... you've won," the creature gasped, his voice weak. "But you... you are more than you
seem."
Johan's eyes narrowed as he studied the fallen figure. There was something familiar about
him, a scent that triggered memories buried deep within his mind. He reverted to his human
form, his wings retracting.
The moment Johan reverted to his human form, he stared with unseeing eyes at the once
winged being, whose gaze was fixed on him in utter shock.
"Johan?" the being whispered, a mixture of disbelief and recognition in his voice.
Johan's breath caught in his throat. "Malek?"
Malek nodded, tears welling in his eyes. "Yes, brother, it's me... It's me!"
Without another word, the two brothers embraced, their tears mingling with their
overwhelming emotions. It was a reunion long overdue, filled with the kind of raw, heartfelt
emotion that only siblings who have endured the ravages of time and conflict could share.
They clung to each other as if they never wanted to let go, their hearts speaking the words
their lips couldn't.
"I've missed you so much, Malek," Johan choked out, his voice trembling.
Malek replied, his grip tightening around his brother. "I never thought I'd see you again."
Nora, upon reaching the throne room, stopped in her tracks, shocked to find her husband
Johan embracing his long-lost brother Malek. Behind her, the red harpy shifted back to her
more human form. Nora recognized her as the red-haired girl from the portraits, the one
who bore a striking resemblance to Mary Anderson.
Nora stepped forward, a mix of curiosity and caution in her voice. "Do you know who Mary
Anderson is?"
The once harpy smiled, a gentle, almost nostalgic expression crossing her face. "Mary is my
aunt, Dracula's sister. My name is Carmilla."
Nora extended her hand to help Carmilla up. "Sorry for the hassle."
Carmilla took Nora's hand, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "It is I who should apologize. You
were impressive in the fight."
Nora smiled, her eyes softening. "Mary was the best woman I ever met. She was like a
mother to me."
Carmilla's expression brightened. "I did not know her well, but I am glad to hear she was
kinder and better than Dracula ever was."
Both women walked back into the throne room, where they found the two brothers still
hugging, tears streaming down their faces as they comforted each other. Carmilla noticed
the striking resemblance between Malek and Johan and couldn't help but smile.
"Wow," Carmilla said in a light-hearted tone, "there really is more of you."
Nora laughed. "I was just about to say that."
Malek and Johan turned to face the women, their bond clear in their matching smiles. Johan
introduced Nora to his brother, and Malek's face lit up with joy for his younger sibling.
"Congratulations, brother," Malek said, his eyes shining. "You've hit the jackpot."
Nora, still smiling, looked between Malek and Carmilla. "Are you two married?"
Malek and Carmilla exchanged a glance, both of them smiling softly. "We are working on it,"
Carmilla replied.
They all settled in the garden, the atmosphere lighter and filled with warmth. Carmilla, in
her darkly humorous way, remarked, "Imagine someone killing the owner of a castle, taking
his throne, and not only that, marrying the owner's daughter."
Nora and Johan exchanged funny, shocked looks and then turned to Malek. Malek, catching
on, grinned at Carmilla. "You're making me look awful," he said with mock indignation.
Carmilla laughed and patted his arm. "You're not awful at all, Malek. You have a heart of
gold."
"Yeah," Malek said in a playful tone, "After my brother ripped it out of my chest."
The group burst into laughter, the pain of the past mingling with the joy of the present.
Johan turned to Nora, chuckling. "Yep, they are indeed working on it. Keep it up, guys; you
will find your way to the inevitable."
Malek looked at Johan, a playful glint in his eye. "So, I don't see your child yet."
Johan smiled warmly. "It's on the way."
Carmilla's eyes widened with delight, and she whispered to Malek, "I want a child too."
Malek was scared. "Not now, Carmilla. We're not ready for that kind of responsibility."
Carmilla laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "We're rich, Malek. You don't have to
worry about child support."
Malek sighed, shaking his head but smiling. "I suppose you're right."
The four of them sat in the garden, sharing stories and laughter, the bonds of family and
friendship growing stronger with each passing moment. The future was uncertain, but for
now, they had each other, and that was enough.
After some time had passed, Carmilla and Nora had retired for the night, leaving Johan and
Malek sitting atop the castle, bathed in the silver light of the moon. The two brothers, reunited
after so many years, shared stories of their youth, the memories both bittersweet and joyous.
"Do you remember," Johan began with a chuckle, "when we tried to catch that legendary fish in
the river near our village?"
Malek laughed, the sound full and hearty. "How could I forget? We ended up falling in, and the
current took us half a mile downstream. Mother was furious when we came home soaked and
without any fish."
"Ah, those were the days," Johan sighed, smiling. "And what about the time we thought it
would be a great idea to sneak into the old witch's garden and take some of her herbs for our
'potions'?"
Malek grinned, shaking his head. "We were so convinced we were going to become powerful
sorcerers. Instead, we got chased out by her enchanted broom. I swear it had a mind of its
own."
"Or that one winter when we tried to build a sled out of scrap wood," Johan said, laughter
bubbling up in his chest. "We didn't make it down the hill even once without crashing."
"And we spent the entire night in the barn, hiding from father so he wouldn't see the bruises
and cuts," Malek added, his eyes twinkling with the fondness of the memory.
The brothers' laughter echoed through the night, mingling with the rustle of the leaves and the
distant sounds of nocturnal creatures. Their bond, forged in childhood mischief and
strengthened by the trials of life, was unbreakable.
After the laughter had subsided, Malek turned to Johan, his expression shifting to one of
earnestness. "Johan, there's something I need to tell you. Something that has brought me great
joy."
Johan tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Malek took a deep breath, his eyes shining with happiness. "Our mother is alive."
Johan's eyes widened, his blind gaze still managing to convey his shock and joy. Tears welled
up in his eyes as the news sank in. "Alive? But how? Where?"
Malek explained everything he had seen and went through in his dreams, and what there
mother truly is. Johan listened, his heart swelling with a mix of shock, relief and elation. When
Malek finished, Johan's tears flowed freely.
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of their emotions settling around them. The stars
above seemed to shine a little brighter, as if the universe itself was celebrating their reunion
and the joyous news.
Johan, after a long pause, gathered the courage to ask the question that had been gnawing at
him. His voice trembled with a mix of fear and concern. "Malek, was it you who unleashed the
demons on Nyxmoor?"
Malek's body tensed, and he sat in silence, his head bowed. Johan, though blind, could sense
the turmoil within his brother, the struggle to respond. He reached out, placing a comforting
hand on Malek's shoulder.
"It's okay, Malek," Johan said softly, his tone gentle and reassuring. "You can tell me."
With tears in his eyes, Malek whispered, "Yes." His voice broke as he continued. "The monster
within me made me do it. It fed on my wrath and pain, it wasn't me. It has to be that damn
thing."
Johan pulled Malek into a tight embrace, his own tears mingling with his brother's. "It
wasn't your fault, Malek. We all have our demons, but we can fight them together.", "This is
worse than a demon, Johan." Malek responded, Johan tried to calm Malek down "It does not
matter, we both can fight it."
The brothers sat there for a while, holding each other as they both wept. The weight of
Malek's guilt and Johan's understanding created a bond even stronger than before.
As the night wore on, Johan, exhausted from the long and emotional journey, felt sleep
overtaking him. He rested his head on Malek's shoulder, his breaths becoming slow and
steady.
Malek held his brother close, looking up at the night sky. he whispered into the silence,
his eyes scanning the heavens as if searching for answers in the stars.
"Where are you, Father?"