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Chapter 14 - Chapter fourteen: Light

Malek stepped through the gate and into the life core, finding himself enveloped in a sea of

 pure white light. The brightness was all-consuming, yet it was soothing rather than blinding.

 In the midst of this radiant expanse, he heard a voice that filled his heart with a long-lost

 warmth.

 "Oh, my dear Malek, you have grown up."

 His breath caught in his throat. He knew that voice, knew it as intimately as he knew his

 own. "Mother?" he whispered, scarcely daring to believe it.

 From the luminous ether emerged a figure of divine beauty. Sirene, his mother, appeared

 before him, her long white hair cascading like a waterfall of moonlight, her eyes the most

 enchanting shade of blue, deep and endless as the ocean. Her skin was flawless and pale,

 glowing with an inner light that spoke of purity and grace.

 She approached him with a serene smile, her presence a balm to his tortured soul. As she

 reached out and touched his face, Malek felt a rush of emotions. He placed his hand over

 hers, feeling the warmth and softness that he had longed for since her untimely death.

 "Mother," he choked out, tears welling in his eyes. "I can't believe... You're alive?"

 Sirene's smile grew more tender. "Yes, my dear Malek. I am alive. You knew me as your angel

 mother, but I was weakened in battle with the entity. After my death in the mortal realm, I

 returned to my true role as the overseer, the creator of all."

 Malek's mind reeled with confusion and disbelief. "But... how?" he stammered. "How can this

 be?"

 Reading his thoughts, Sirene's expression softened further. "Let me open your mind, my

 dear," she said gently. "Look into my eyes."

 Malek hesitated but then did as she asked. As he gazed into her eyes, he felt himself being

 drawn into their depths. What he saw next was beyond comprehension. He saw everything

 that ever was and ever would be. The smallest particles of existence to the largest cosmic

 entities, every realm, every fiber of the infinite multiverse—it all unfolded before him. He saw

 the delicate dance of creation and destruction, the intricate web of life that connected all

 things. He saw the material realm, the dream realm, the underworld, the realm of light, the

 multiverse, and the core of life itself. All of it was Sirene. She was the all in one and the one

 in all.

 He heard her voice in his mind, not speaking but conveying pure understanding. Her true

 name, her essence, resonated within him: "Existence."

Malek's mind struggled to contain the sheer enormity of the revelation. He felt as

 though he were standing at the precipice of infinity, peering into the very fabric of

 reality. It was overwhelming, yet profoundly beautiful. He understood now that his

 mother was not merely a mortal being or an angelic figure but the embodiment of all

 existence. She was the creator, the source from which all things sprang and to which

 all things would return.

 Malek blinked, shaking his head slightly. "Well, that sure gave me a headache."

 Sirene laughed softly, her voice like the tinkling of distant bells. "Not going to lie, I

 expected more reaction from you."

 Malek smiled ruefully. "So, I'm the son of God?"

 Sirene raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, Goddess."

 Malek chuckled and apologized, still trying to wrap his mind around the enormity of

 what he had just learned. "I want to know more about this entity," he said, his voice

 taking on a more serious tone.

 Sirene's expression grew somber. "The entity is the embodiment of nothingness, the

 dark matter, the abyss. It wants everything to return to nothing."

 Malek frowned. "What do you mean, 'return to nothing'?"

 "In the endless beginning, there was nothing," Sirene explained. "All was dark, no life,

 no light. A part of that nothingness wanted to feel, to scream, to live. A part of the

 darkness wanted light, wanted to breathe life, wanted to exist. And from that

 nothingness, from the abyss, I was born. I am Existence."

 She continued, "I began to create, to breathe life into the empty void. But the

 nothingness wanted me back. The underworld is part of it now. Back then, the

 underworld was a place for guardian angels of Earth, but they fell alongside Azazel,

 your father, because of the hateful abyss. Every demon now hates me, but I do not

 hate them. Azazel understood, and is aware of the entity's true nature."

 Malek's mind whirled with the weight of this revelation. "Why does the abyss want

 everything to return to nothing?"

"I still do not fully understand," Sirene admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. "But I

 do know, despite my power and omniscience that the entity is more powerful than I

 am. That is why I could not protect you my dear. It chose you as its vessel to destroy

 everything. It feeds on your pain, hatred, and wrath. To it, you are the perfect vessel

 because you are a nosferatu—no, not a normal nosferatu, which is half demon, half

 angel. You, Malek, are half demon, half god, a creature of both divine light and

 infernal darkness."

 Tears welled in Malek's eyes as he finally grasped the truth. "Why didn't you at least

 tell me you were alive? If I had known, I wouldn't have crossed the path of

 vengeance. I would have just killed Dracula and stopped there."

 Sirene pulled him into a comforting embrace, her presence soothing his turmoil. "I

 understand, my dear. But it's not your fault."

 Malek looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?"

 "Some people of Nyxmoor are blasphemous," Sirene explained. "They have

 committed many sins and atrocities. They deserve to be punished because they are

 simply evil, as for the rest, I can forgive you for this, just redeem yourself, be the

 hero of the story, not the villain."

 Malek calmed down, though he was still processing everything. "You could have at

 least told me you were alive."

 "I wanted to test you," Sirene said gently, "To see if you would move on, and get

 other people in your life. Your brother Johan passed this test."

 The name "Johan" rang a bell in Malek's mind. "I know that name very well," he said

 slowly.

 "Johan is your younger brother," Sirene said, "Born from the union of Abraham Van

 Helsing and me. Van Helsing got what he deserved for forcing himself upon me back

 in the human world."

 Memories came rushing back to Malek, memories of playing with his brother as

 children. "Who was Mary Anderson?" he asked, seeking clarity.

"Mary Anderson took care of Johan as a child," Sirene replied. "She is going to be rewarded

 for being a great mother to all the orphans she cared for. Mary is the one who asked me to

 bring you here. It was in her nature to protect people, even after her death."

 An awful roar echoed through the white expanse, and Sirene's expression turned urgent.

 "Look, sweetie, you have to wake up now. He is coming. Expect a family reunion soon, I

 promise."

 Before Malek could respond, he felt himself being pulled back into consciousness. He awoke

 in a sweat, gasping for air. To his astonishment, all his wounds were healed, his powers

 restored. He could breathe normally again.

 He lay there for a moment, absorbing everything that had transpired. The love and wisdom of

 his mother, the truth about his origins, and the looming threat of the entity—all of it swirled in

 his mind. But for now, he felt a profound sense of peace, knowing that he was not alone and

 that he had a purpose beyond his vengeance.

 Malek rose from his bed, feeling more resolved than ever. The journey ahead would be

 arduous, he was not sure if he is ready to face it, but he was armed with the knowledge and

 love of his mother, the Existence.

 Malek saw Carmilla in the garden. Slowly, he dressed himself, still finding it difficult to stand

 and balance. As he approached her, Carmilla quickly ran to help him.

 "Good morning or good evening—I don't know anymore. The weather doesn't help,"

 Carmilla said with a smile.

 Malek smiled back, then looked at her intently. "Carmilla Vladimir Anderson."

 Carmilla was shocked. "How do you know my full name? I don't remember ever telling you."

 "Your aunt Mary told me everything," Malek replied.

 Carmilla's eyes widened in disbelief. "My aunt Mary? How do you—?"

 "She told me in my dreams. She's dead," Malek said softly.

 A shadow of sadness crossed Carmilla's face. "I didn't know her well, but still..."

 Malek nodded. "She told me that I have a brother. His name is Johan."

Carmilla's surprise was mingled with amusement. "Oh, there's more of you?" she said in a

 teasing tone.

 Malek laughed. "Is that a compliment or an offense?"

 "Both," she replied with a playful grin.

 They both sat in the garden. Malek stood up and looked at the open underworld portal in the

 sky. With a wave of his hand, he closed it, muttering, "Enough of this nonsense."

 The sun finally rose, burning every demon in Nyxmoor to ashes. Malek felt a sense of

 completeness and calm. "This is not who I am," he murmured to himself. "I am not a monster."

 He suddenly smelled something burning. It was Carmilla. The sun was scorching her. She

 looked at Malek angrily. "Next time, give a heads up."

 Malek quickly apologized and made Carmilla immune to sunlight again. "Why did you close

 it?" she asked in a happier tone. "Am I finally getting through?"

 Malek looked at her. "Enough of blind rage. Its edgy and dump... But forreal, I just want to live

 a normal life, nothing more."

 Carmilla's eyes softened with pride and happiness. She saw the change in her old friend and

 knew that the Malek she once knew was returning. Malek, with a voice filled with regret, said,

 "I apologize for everything I've done, the torment you went through because of me. All I

 want now is to be best friends and thank you for everything you've done for me from the

 moment we met as kids till now. Your patience has been endless."

 Carmilla smiled, her happiness shining through. She felt the innocence within Malek, the child

 he once was. But Malek started to tear up. "I might not last forever. The entity is taking over

 me. It's worse than any demon, and it will destroy everything sooner or later."

 Carmilla didn't understand. Malek trembled as he spoke, his words filled with fear and

 despair. "My mother told me everything."

 He explained his dream from beginning to end. Carmilla was shocked by the flood of

 information. Realizing who Malek was, both then and now, terrified her, but knowing he was

 the son of both Azazel and the All-in-One, the Great Mother Existence, brought a strange

 calm due to the goodness she saw in him. The nature of the evil entity frightened her more

 than anything in his story.

Malek tried to contain his tears but failed. Carmilla had never seen him cry before. The fearsome

 Nosferatu was now a vulnerable, kind, and innocent person. He cried even harder. "I would

 rather die than become one with that nightmarish abyssal entity, but I can never die. Not even

 the Unmaker Spear can kill me. It will only weaken me."

 "The Unmaker Spear was a part of my mother. That's why it won't work on me."

 Carmilla felt an overwhelming sadness for Malek. For the first time ever, she hugged him. Malek

 was shocked but then tears flowed more freely as Carmilla held him, trying to calm him down. He

 hugged her back, finding solace in her embrace. In that moment, they both felt the weight of their

 pasts lift slightly, the bond between them strengthening in the face of an uncertain future.

 As dusk settled over the garden, Carmilla and Malek looked at each other in silence. The weight

 of their emotions was palpable, yet Malek turned away, as if to say he didn't deserve her.

 Carmilla smiled, trying to think of a way to lighten the mood. "Hey, wanna go for a swim?" she

 suggested.

 Malek chuckled. "I'm good at sinking. Does that count?"

 Carmilla laughed, grabbing his hand and leading him to the pool. "Go on in, I'll be right back," she

 said.

 "Take your time," Malek replied, slipping off his clothes and easing into the water. Time passed,

 and he mused to himself, "Wow, she's really taking her time."

 Finally, Carmilla appeared, standing at the edge of the pool. "So, what do you think?" she asked,

 waiting for his reaction.

 Malek looked at her and said, "Mom is more attractive."

 Carmilla's face fell into a scowl. "Who in this world thinks his mother is hotter than their

 girlfriend?" she snapped, cursing under her breath.

 Malek laughed heartily. "I'm just trying to make you angry. But it's true—Mom is cooler."

 Carmilla lunged at him, splashing into the pool. "Why don't you go and marry your own mother

 then?" she retorted, wrestling with him playfully.

 Malek laughed even harder. As they tussled, he noticed her body up close. "You guys looked

 smaller from back there," he said, surprised.

 Carmilla laughed. "So, changed your mind?"

"You look really beautiful," Malek admitted, brushing his fingers through her red hair. "No lies. What

 do you think of me?"

 Before she could answer, Malek added, "My dad was hot, so surely I am as hot as he is."

 Carmilla laughed. "Wow, my boyfriend is into his father too. Nice."

 Malek frowned in mock indignation. "Excuse me, what is wrong with me praising my daddy."

 They both laughed, already predicting a bright future together. Malek then said, "I'm kinda thirsty."

 Carmilla blushed. "What do you mean?" she asked teasingly.

 "I mean I'm actually thirsty for blood. I haven't had any for what feels like an eternity."

 Carmilla pouted. "I hate you."

 Malek laughed again. "I'm not just going to lie." He paused, looking at her meaningfully. "You know

 what blood I want."

 Carmilla smiled, understanding. Malek had never tasted her blood before. He gently touched her

 neck, feeling her warm, smooth skin. They hugged each other, and in a slow, gentle way, he sank his

 teeth into her neck. The taste of her blood was intoxicating, a rich blend of sweetness and power,

 with an undercurrent of something ancient and profound. It was like tasting the essence of life itself,

 mingled with the fiery passion of their bond.

 Carmilla whispered, "I want to try your blood too."

 Malek nodded, caressing her head in agreement. She sank her teeth into his neck. The taste of his

 Nosferatu blood was unlike anything she had ever experienced—an intense, almost electric rush,

 filled with the dark, complex flavors of centuries-old power and wisdom, mingled with the deep,

 primal essence of his being. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming, a taste that spoke of ancient

 secrets and unimaginable strength.

 They stayed in the pool until night fell, wrapped in each other's arms, the warmth of their

 embrace warding off the chill of the water. The stars above twinkled like distant promises, and for a

 moment, all the pain and fear of their pasts seemed to fade away, replaced by the simple, profound

 connection they shared.

 Malek and Carmilla gazed into each other's eyes, seeing nothing but the goodness that each held

 within. Malek unfurled his black, feathery wings, and with a gentle smile, he said, "I want to show

 you something beautiful." Not waiting for a response, he took her hand and they soared into the

 sky.

The scenery was breathtaking. Below them, the world unfolded in a tapestry of verdant forests,

 sparkling rivers, and vast fields of wildflowers that swayed in the evening breeze. The setting sun

 cast a golden hue over the landscape, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and purple. The

 cool, comforting breeze mixed with the lingering water on their bodies from the pool, making them

 shiver slightly, yet feeling blissfully content.

 As they ascended higher, the air grew crisp and thin, but the beauty only intensified. They flew

 above a sea of clouds, which glowed in the twilight, creating a surreal and heavenly landscape. It felt

 as if they were alone in a world crafted just for them, suspended between the heavens and the earth.

 Malek whispered to Carmilla, "We're going to Mountain Caelum, the highest point on Earth,

 where you can see the most beautiful parts of our world." Carmilla's reaction was pure delight,

 her eyes sparkling with childlike wonder. She looked up at him, her excitement evident, and Malek

 couldn't help but smile at her happiness.

 As they approached the mountain, Carmilla playfully challenged, "Race you to the top!" With a

 mischievous grin, she spread her crimson feathery wings and took off. Malek, his wings larger and

 more powerful, easily could have outpaced her, but he let her take the lead, enjoying the sight of her

 joyous flight.

 They weaved around the mountain's towering peaks, the wind rushing past them, carrying the

 scent of pine and fresh snow. Carmilla's laughter echoed through the air, a sweet melody that filled

 Malek's heart with warmth. They dipped and soared, playing a game of aerial tag, their wings

 brushing against the mountain's rugged cliffs and gliding over its lush meadows.

 Despite his speed, Malek allowed Carmilla to win the race. She reached the summit first, landing

 gracefully and turning to witness the awe-inspiring panorama. The view from Mountain Caelum was

 beyond words. The horizon stretched endlessly, a vast expanse of rolling hills, serene lakes, and

 ancient forests bathed in the twilight glow. The stars began to emerge, twinkling like diamonds

 scattered across the velvet sky. The full moon hung low, casting a silvery light that made the entire

 scene appear ethereal and otherworldly.

 Malek landed softly behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, startling her slightly. They both

 laughed, Malek teasing, "You're so jumpy sometimes."

 Carmilla playfully swatted his arm. "And you're too mean sometimes."

 They lay down together, Carmilla resting on Malek, both gazing up at the sky. The temperature had

 dropped, and Carmilla shivered slightly. Noticing her discomfort, Malek wrapped his wings around

 her, enveloping her in warmth. Carmilla looked at him with a happy, contented smile, proud that the

 evil within him and his blind rage had dissipated. She believed that with her love and care, she could

 help Malek resist the dark entity within him.

Malek broke the silence, his voice tender. "I'm about to tell you something that every

 clichéd romantic story says."

 Carmilla laughed, a sweet, melodic sound. "I know what you're about to say, and I'm

 dying to hear it from you."

 Malek blushed, smiling. "I love you so much, from the moment I first saw you, from the

 moment you rescued me. You've cured me from what I was. I wouldn't be living this

 wonderful moment without your existence."

 Carmilla gazed into his eyes, her expression soft and loving. "Love is a powerful force,

 Malek. It's not just about the moments we share now, but about the memories we create

 that will last forever. Even if this love doesn't last in the physical sense, it remains

 immortal in our hearts. Love is about accepting each other, flaws and all, and growing

 together. It's about finding solace in each other's presence and strength in our bond.

 No matter what happens, this love we have will always be a part of us, even after death,

 shaping who we are and who we become."

 Malek's eyes filled with tears. "Promise you won't leave me alone."

 Carmilla smiled warmly. "I promise." She leaned in and surprised him with their first

 kiss. Malek's heart swelled with joy, and he blushed, feeling happier than ever. They

 embraced, savoring the moment, knowing that despite the challenges ahead, their love was strong and unwavering.

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