Chapter 210: Life was taken and another given
Athan hit the ground hard, his ears ringing from the explosion. His head spun as he struggled to push himself up. Only then did he realize that someone had jumped on him and covered him entirely.
Through the smoke and dust, he saw chaos, yet unable to see who covered him. Rage’s men were scattered, some injured, others desperately trying to regroup. While his own team was similarly disoriented, scrambling for cover.
In the midst of the chaos, Athan’s eyes caught a glimpse of Azrael, a few feet away from him, lying on the ground, motionless. Roy was nearby, his body limp from the debris that fell on his lower half.
"No..." Athan muttered, panic surging through his veins. His body ached, but he forced himself to his feet, stumbling toward Azrael.
Horror was displayed on his face as he reached his brother-in-law’s side. Azrael’s face was pale, blood seeping through his shirt. Athan dropped to his knees beside him, shaking him desperately.
"Azrael! Wake up!" Athan’s voice cracked at the sight of his brother’s husband. "Get the f*ck up!"
Azrael’s eyes barely fluttered open. He looked at Athan with difficulty, blood dripped on his forehead. Despite this, a smile tugged on his face as he saw Athan safe and lively. He wanted to check Roy but his line of sight couldn’t see him and his neck stiffened like it was cemented so he couldn’t turn it around. "I’m...sorry," Azrael rasped, his voice weak. "Knox...don’t let him...cry too much..."
Azrael won’t die. Even when he has to play tug of war with the grim reaper with his life as the rope, he won’t be defeated so easily. He’d provoke the reaper until it loses patience and decides to send him back instead.
That’s how much he desires to live. He just knew that Know would probably bawl his eyes out again after seeing him badly injured. These days, his pretty husband’s mood swings are extreme and fickle, and he has become too emotional.
"What the f*ck are you saying?! You’re going to live, you bastard! Don’t close your eyes! Keep yourself awake!" Athan shouted hysterically.
Ah...would be nice to see this bastard cry...Azrael thought as his head slumped to the ground without another word. He was still conscious, but it felt like everything turned into a vague background. Moments of Knox and his family flashed in his mind, as he remained in that blurry world.