Chapter 113: Tempting Offer**
"It’s my mother’s journal. It contains all the spells involving demons," Ezekiel explained. "Keep it for now and see if there’s anything useful while I finalize plans for my attack on Devon’s lair. Use whatever you need, Tarah."
"I’ve been wanting to ask you more about yourself, Tarah. I’ve wondered if that’s even your real name," Ezekiel continued, his tone serious. "But I don’t want to risk the safety of whoever Devon bound with that Tophet Bloodchain Spell to you. The journal clearly warns against compromising the demon’s identity who cast the spell, and it has a broad scope. It all makes sense now why you’ve been guarded about your past and reluctant to answer certain questions."
"T-Thank you," Tarah murmured, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. She set everything aside and hurriedly moved to embrace Ezekiel. She didn’t know how to express her appreciation for everything he had done and was doing. Just as her vision had shown, he was truly the key... her only hope...
"Thank you," she repeated softly, her voice muffled against his chest as she held him tightly. "I don’t know how I can ever repay you for everything..." she trailed off.
Ezekiel chuckled warmly and replied, "All I need is you, Tarah. If you truly want to repay me, then simply stay by my side, no matter what. Don’t leave me..."
Tarah genuinely hoped for that possibility. Could a miracle be within reach? Could the heavens show mercy and allow her to remain with Ezekiel after they had overcome these obstacles in their lives? Was it too much to hope for such a future?
Lifting her head, she met Ezekiel’s gaze. This time, she gently cupped his face, pulling him closer to kiss his lips.
She released his lips and rested her forehead against his, feeling a sense of vulnerability wash over her. "I want to stay by your side, no matter what, Kiel... If I could, I would do just that and be with you in this lifetime," she confessed, her voice filled with longing.
"And you will do just that, Tarah. Once everything is settled, I would love to learn more about you and meet all the people you care for," Ezekiel responded, his tone filled with sincerity. Tarah simply nodded, a smile spreading across her face.