Chapter 107: Azael and Elise’s Reunion
The atmosphere in the experiment room had grown dense. Not just because of the steam or the smell of chemicals. But because of the tension.
Dorian and Abel were already completely focused. They murmured between themselves, examining the body, preparing tools, discussing in low voices as if the world around them had ceased to exist.
Max crossed his arms.
"...We should leave them to it."
Lamia nodded.
"...Yeah."
She glanced at Abel for a second.
"...When men get like that, it’s impossible to pull them away."
Azael couldn’t take his eyes off the stretcher, imagining that his wife could have ended up like that. But eventually, he closed his eyes and stepped back.
"...Yes... that’s for the best."
He turned his head slightly and looked at Lamia.
"...Is Elise here?"
Lamia watched him for a moment.
Then she smiled faintly.
"...Most likely."
She turned toward the hallway.
"...She should be in one of the guest rooms."
She gestured with her head.
"...Come, follow me."
Azael didn’t hesitate and nodded. But before moving, he looked at Max.
"...Could you come with me?"
Max raised an eyebrow. Then nodded.
"...Yeah, of course."
They left the room, behind them the low sounds of magic, science... and difficult decisions.
The hallway was quieter, warmer. The lights were soft. The atmosphere... almost cozy. Almost.
They walked a few steps until Lamia stopped in front of a wooden door. From underneath... light seeped through.
"...She should be in this room."
She knocked gently.
KNOCK. KNOCK.
From the other side—
"...W-who is it?"
A female voice. Tense. Worried.
Azael froze completely. His eyes widened slightly. He had recognized it instantly.
"...Elise..."
He said it in a whisper, as if saying it louder might break something.
Lamia placed a hand on the door.
"...May we come in?"
She smiled faintly.
"...I brought you a surprise."
There was a pause.
"...Give me a second, please..." the voice replied from inside.
"...I’m still getting changed."
Azael swallowed, his hands trembling slightly. Just barely—but they trembled.
Max glanced at him.
"...Azael, relax."
He crossed his arms.
"...She’s your wife."
A faint smile.
"...You already know each other."
Azael didn’t look at him—he couldn’t. His eyes remained fixed on the door.
"...I know..."
His voice was low.
"...But it’s been so long since I’ve seen her face to face..."
He clenched his teeth.
"...It feels like the first time."
Lamia gave him a firm pat on the back.
"...Come on."
She smirked slightly.
"...I don’t think she’ll like seeing you with that face you’ve got right now."
Azael exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself.
From the other side, footsteps approached the door.
One.
Two.
Three.
The handle turned and the door opened. Warm light flooded the hallway.
Azael raised an arm, shielding his eyes slightly.
And when he could see—he lost his breath.
Elise was there. Standing. Bathed in the room’s light. Whole. Beautiful, just like the first day they met.
And this moment... was real. The one he had dreamed of for years.
Azael’s eyes widened completely. And filled with tears.
"...Elise..."
His voice broke.
And then she saw him too. Her eyes widened, and without hesitation, she ran to him. She threw herself into his arms.
"Azael!"
They both fell to the floor with a dull thud against the wood. But neither moved away. Azael held her tightly, as if she might disappear again. And he began to cry uncontrollably, like a child.
"...I’m sorry..."
His voice came out broken.
"...I’m so sorry..."
He held her tighter.
"...I won’t leave you alone again, I promise..."
He trembled.
"...Forgive me... for everything you went through... forgive me..."
Elise placed a hand on his face and used the sleeve of her dress to wipe away his tears.
Her expression was soft. Calm.
"...It wasn’t your fault, my love."
She shook her head slowly.
"...None of this was."
She caressed his cheek.
"...We’re together again now."
A small smile.
"...That’s all that matters."
Max watched the scene in silence. A bit surprised, and a bit uncomfortable seeing the prince of demons—the one who had kidnapped his friend, who summoned skeletons, seemingly heartless—was... crying.
Lamia sighed and crossed her arms.
"...Very sweet, lovebirds and all..."
She rolled her eyes.
"...But you should probably continue that inside the room."
Azael snapped back to reality. He got up slightly, helping Elise up as well.
Then he turned serious.
"...Yes, you’re right."
He bowed his head slightly.
"...Sorry about that."
He looked at Lamia.
"...And thank you."
His tone was firm.
"...For helping me save her."
Lamia simply nodded.
Elise then looked at Max. Her eyes softened.
"...Thank you, young man."
She gave a small bow.
"...For making it possible for us to meet again."
Max scratched his head, a bit awkward.
"...It was nothing..."
He looked away.
"...I just did what felt right."
Azael and Elise exchanged a glance. Then they stepped into the room.
The door closed softly behind them, and the hallway fell silent again.
Lamia sighed.
"...Well."
She looked at Max.
"...If you feel like it, we could go to the steam rooms with the others."
She pointed toward the back.
"...They should be where the dwarf was."
Max shook his head.
"...Thanks, but I’ll pass."
He stretched slightly.
"...I need to sleep. For a lot of hours if possible."
Lamia nodded and pointed to a door in the corner.
"...There’s another private room over there."
Her tone softened.
"...You could take the chance to rest properly, at least until dinner."
Max looked at her and nodded.
"...Thanks a lot."
Lamia held his gaze for a moment. Then gave a faint smile.
"...Thank you, boy."
She paused briefly.
"...Even after everything bad I’ve done."
She didn’t explain further. She didn’t need to.
She turned and started walking toward the steam room.
Max watched her go for a few seconds.
Then he headed toward the door she had pointed out.
He opened it and found the room dark. Silent.
And for the first time in a long while...
It felt safe.
Max stepped inside.
And closed the door behind him, finally hoping to get some rest.