Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Married?
After settling everything, Aengus and Bella unfurled their wings and soared through the sky, flapping them with great speed.
Bella's wings were typical of a succubus, while Aengus' wings resembled those of a western dragon—wide and powerful.
In seconds, they ascended into the sky like birds, reaching nearly 5,000 meters above the ground.
Under the cursed, bloody red sun, their figures became elusive, fading from view from below.
"Darling, are you enjoying this?" Bella asked, glancing at Aengus beside her.
"I am... fine, I guess," Aengus replied, his gaze fixed on the ground shrinking in the distance.
He saw various passing villages, mountains, and a desert littered with skeletal remains. Demonic creatures roamed the land, hungry for prey.
Bella sighed. "You know, it would have been more beautiful if the Abyss was like the human lands—full of vibrant greenery and life. Will it ever be possible? Even the Demon God couldn't make it happen," she lamented.
"So, Bella, do you know why this world is the way it is?" Aengus asked, though he knew the basic history. He wanted to hear the demons' perspective.
Bella answered seriously, "From what I've learned, it's said the Demon God was banished from what they call 'Heaven.' They imprisoned him here like a jail, but the reason remains unknown.
"He has lived for ages, and all demons are his children.
"I don't know if he's truly evil, but I want justice for the demons—to give them their right to live. Many are dying, like a plague, because of the lack of resources," she said emotionally.
"Do you want to kill all the humans?" Aengus asked.
She shook her head. "No, that would be foolish. Not all humans are bad. They deserve a fair chance to live."
Her tone shifted, a twinge of jealousy creeping in. "So, darling, is your goal still the same? Seeking revenge for that human lover of yours?"
"Yes," Aengus replied firmly, without hesitation.
Bella's chest tightened at his words, her heart clenching in silent pain. She gazed at him, her voice soft but tinged with sadness.
Are my efforts not getting through to you, Aengus?
Bella forced a smile. "You're very loyal, darling. So, when should we consummate our marriage? I've given my dowry, after all." Her tone was playful, as if she wasn't expecting a serious answer.
Aengus glanced at her, feeling a sudden pang of guilt.
Though her initial intentions were less than pure, she had later given him everything she had. She had aligned her aspirations with his, forsaken her rule, and risked enmity with her father—all for him.
But what had he given her?
He realized he had been too stubborn.
Beneath her constant smile, there was hidden pain, a sorrow she tried to bury—much like the way he buried his own. They were more alike than he had realized.
It didn't take long for him to understand that.
"Bella, listen to me seriously," he said, making a firm decision on the spot.
She met his eyes, losing herself in them for a moment. "What is it, darling? Are you finally agreeing to my proposal?" Her tone was still light, as if her wish was just a fleeting dream.
But Aengus was serious. What he said next left her completely stunned.
"Yes, I can agree to be your partner, not your husband, for everything you've done for me. You've gone against your father, your subordinates, and lost your position as ruler. You're strong, and I can't offer you power or love.
"The only way I can repay you is by trying to be your partner. But understand, there will be no spiritual connection between us. I cannot return your love. If you can accept that, then… I have no problem."
He wasn't accepting her out of nowhere. She had proven loyal and trustworthy. Besides, having her by his side would provide another powerful ally in his quest.
Or perhaps it was his deeper desire for a family, a longing he hadn't been willing to admit. He never wanted to be lonely.
It was time to let go of the past, the memories of Aria, like a passing dream. But it didn't mean he was giving up on his revenge. He couldn't let that go—not until Beelzebub was dead by his hand.
Bella froze mid-air, her mind struggling to comprehend his sudden acceptance. The acceptance of her casual proposal left her stunned.
She felt an overwhelming joy rising within her, one she struggled to suppress.
Aengus paused, watching her reaction. He wondered if she felt dejected or conflicted. Deep down, he had hoped she would refuse, thinking he had given her enough reasons not to accept him as her life partner.
But he couldn't have been more wrong.
Bella smiled like a blooming flower, her expression filled with pure joy.
"Hahaha... Darling! Darling!" she exclaimed as she lunged at his chest, hugging him tightly, her wings wrapping around his in a delicate embrace.
"Of Course. I accept you as my husband, Aengus. I agree with whatever you say. You know, it makes me very happy that you finally agreed. As for the matter of your heart, I'll conquer it eventually. I'm not in a rush," she whispered confidently into his ear as they began to fall from the sky.
"You have everything a woman could need, Darling. You've captured my heart. What more could I want besides you?"
Aengus was speechless as he gazed into her shimmering purple eyes, now glistening with raw emotion. He couldn't deny the sincerity in her words, nor could he break the promise he had made. But in the back of his mind, Aria's face lingered, her memory an unresolved ache.
"What would I do if I ever manage to bring her back?" he wondered, his thoughts briefly shattered as Bella's soft crimson lips pressed against his.
Without thinking, Aengus accepted the kiss—not out of love, but out of a sense of duty to his promise and his body's desires. Their tongues intertwined, and for a few intense seconds, they shared a passionate kiss mid-air.
As they approached the ground, their wings unfurled just in time, allowing them to land gracefully. A thin bridge of saliva stretched between them, breaking apart like spider silk as they pulled away, gazing into each other's eyes in a heated moment.
Bella's breath came in hurried gasps, her face flushed with excitement. Aengus's body reacted instinctively, but his heart remained conflicted.
With a radiant smile, Bella said, "With this, we're husband and wife from now on Aengus. Let the obsidian land and the bloody sky bear witness to our marriage."
She completely forgot the term "partner" that Aengus had suggested.
As he looked at her radiant smile, for a brief moment, Aengus's heart stirred, but it quickly returned to its impassive state. He wiped the mark of her lips from his and nodded, silently acknowledging their union.
His simple gesture filled Bella with immense happiness.
Yet uncertainty gnawed at him.
Had he done the right thing? Had he accepted her just to repay her, or was it merely to fulfill his body's needs? Could he truly form a happy family with her?
He looked at Bella with complex emotions and hope. His previous hope with Aria shattered, reminding him the despairing moment.
Then he touched his chest, where his heart lay, a heart that refused to feel the true love she had for him.
He hoped that one day, he could return her love as well, just like he did with Aria.