Vessel

Feeling more confident, Alessia strides down the hallway and turns sharply, nearly running into Zagreus. She stops short, a wave of surprise washing over her. He looks just as taken aback by their sudden encounter, his eyes widening and his mouth dropping open in surprise.

"Oh," he stammers out after a moment. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Alessia can still feel the anger buildup, but an unexpected feeling of relief quickly replaces it. She hadn't realized how much she wanted to discuss things with him until now. "Me neither," she says quietly. "I've been thinking about what happened earlier."

Zagreus looks away, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red. "I'm sorry," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know I was harsh with you and didn't mean to be." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "It's just...when I lost Mania, it was like a part of me died with her. It hurt so much that I can still feel the pain sometimes."

Alessia feels a sudden wave of empathy for Zagreus washes over her. She can only imagine how hard it must have been for him to lose someone he had loved so deeply. She steps closer, reaching out and comfortably touching his arm.

"I understand," she says softly. "And I want you to know that you no longer have to be alone in this pain." She smiles at him, hoping he can find the courage to open up to her.

Zagreus looks at her, his eyes brimming with emotion. "I'm glad you said that," he says, his voice thick with emotion.

Alessia nods, squeezing his arm gently. She can feel the power of Mania's love radiating through her, and she knows in her heart that it's something she must protect and honor for the rest of her days. With a newfound determination, Alessia takes a step back and bows to Zagreus.

"I vow to protect the power Mania gave to me," she says solemnly. "No matter what may stand in my way."

It's the least she can do for Zagreus. Their feelings for each other may be mixed and confusing, but they share a bond with Mania.

Alessia has her power, and Zagreus is in love with her. His protectiveness for Alessia is understandable and something she will need to get used to.

The only question she has is whether he sees her as Alessia or just a vessel holding Mania's power.

As if hearing her thoughts, Zagreus looks at her with a new intensity in his eyes. "I see you, Alessia," he says firmly. "Not just as a vessel for Mania's power, but as a woman with her strength and importance."

Alessia's heart skips a beat at his words, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She looks at Zagreus, seeing a vulnerability in him that she hadn't seen before. It's a rare moment of honesty between them that she knows she needs to cherish.

"Thank you," she whispers, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "That means a lot to me."

Zagreus nods, his eyes never leaving hers. "I mean it," he says firmly. "I know I've been distant and protective, but it's only because I care about you. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Alessia nods, a sense of understanding between them. "I know," she says softly. "And I appreciate it. But I can take care of myself too."

Zagreus smiles at her, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "I don't doubt that," he says, a teasing tone in his voice. "But it doesn't hurt to have someone watching your back."

Alessia laughs, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. It's a relief to have someone like Zagreus in her corner, even if their feelings for each other are complicated. She knows that they'll be able to work through it together.

"Thank you," she says again, looking at him with gratitude.

Zagreus nods, his smile widening. "Anytime," he says, his eyes shining with a newfound warmth. As they stand there, looking at each other, Alessia feels a sudden surge of attraction toward Zagreus. She can feel their chemistry sizzling and wants to explore it further.

Without thinking, she leans in and presses her lips against his, feeling a spark ignite between them. Zagreus responds immediately, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer. They kiss passionately, lost in the moment and their intense feelings for each other.

When they finally break apart, they're both gasping for air. Alessia looks at Zagreus, seeing a mix of desire and uncertainty in his eyes. She knows they have a lot to work through, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.

"I don't know what this means for us," she says, trembling slightly. "But I know I want to explore this connection between us."

"Alessia..." Zagreus trails off.

"Our priority right now is avoiding a catastrophic war. The things I'm feeling for you..." Zagreus trails off again.

"I understand," Alessia says, her heart sinking slightly. She knows that Zagreus is correct, that their priority should be avoiding the war. But she can't help how she feels and knows that Zagreus also feels it.

They stand there in silence for a moment. Both were lost in their thoughts. Then Zagreus speaks up, his voice soft but determined.

"We'll figure it out," he says. "Together."

Alessia nods, feeling a sense of hope flicker within her. She knows it won't be easy but will fight for her wants. And what she wants is Zagreus.

"Okay," she says, taking a deep breath. "Together."

They share a small smile, the tension between them easing slightly. They know they have a difficult road ahead but are prepared to face it together.

As they turn to walk away, Zagreus can't help but reach out and take Alessia's hand in his.

Surprised at the sudden intimacy, she looks at him but doesn't pull away. Instead, she squeezes his hand back, a silent agreement passing between them.

A fae guard runs up to them, breaking the small moment.

"Your grace, Gabriel sends an urgent message. They have spotted the demon at a small village south of the border."

Zagreus inhales sharply. He didn't think the demon would make a move right away.

"Lead us to Gabriel." Zagreus's voice grows serious, and he drops Alessia's hand.

She follows Zagreus and the guard, her mind racing about what this demon could mean for their world.

As they ride towards the village, Alessia can feel the tension mounting. She knows they must act quickly and decisively or risk the demon causing destruction and chaos.

When they arrive at the village, they find it in ruins. Buildings are destroyed, flames licking at the remains. Bodies litter the streets, their lifeless eyes staring up at the sky. Alessia feels sick to her stomach, knowing that this is the demon's work.

"We need to find it," Zagreus says, his voice hard. "Before it can do any more damage."

Just then, Gabriel comes out of a burning building. He is carrying a small child. Zagreus and Alessia ride towards him, their eyes widening at seeing the child in Gabriel's arms. They can see that the child is injured, blood staining their clothes.

"What happened?" Zagreus asks, his voice urgent.

"The demon attacked the village," Gabriel says, his voice barely above a whisper. "We were able to save a few survivors, but the rest..."

Zagreus nods, his eyes scanning the area. "Where is the demon now?"

Gabriel points towards a nearby forest. "It retreated into the woods," he says. "We tried to follow it, but it was too fast."

Zagreus nods, determination on his face. "We'll take care of it," he says, his voice firm. "Alessia, stay here and help the survivors. Gabriel, take the child and get them to safety."

Gabriel looks at Alessia.

"I should go with Zagreus."

Alessia nods, understanding Gabriel's desire to help fight the demon. "Go," she says, her voice steady. "We'll take care of things here."

Gabriel nods, handing the child over to Alessia before running towards Zagreus. The two of them disappear into the forest, leaving Alessia alone with the survivors.

Alessia looks down at the child in her arms, feeling a surge of protectiveness toward them. She knows that she needs to help them to ensure they survive this tragedy.

"Run!" A voice from the forest erupts. Alessia's heart races at the sound of the voice, knowing it must be Zagreus or Gabriel. She quickly hands the child to one of the survivors, telling them to keep the child safe.

"I have to go help," she says, determined. "Stay here and keep the child safe."

The survivors nod, their eyes filled with fear and deep gratitude toward Alessia. She can sense their trust in her, giving her the strength to face whatever is coming.

As she runs towards the forest, she can hear the sound of fighting. She knows that she needs to be careful and approach the situation cautiously.

Alessia stepped out of the foliage to find Zagreus and Gabriel standing in a tense standoff with an enormous, horned demon. Its jagged claws sparkled with lightning while its coal-black eyes burned with hatred.

Alessia's heart races as she watches the fight unfold. She takes out the potion the Queen gave her and drinks.

"Alessia!!!!" Zagreus yells.

Standing before her was the demon.

Alessia feels a sense of fear grip her heart as she looks up at the demon. Its eyes bore into hers, filled with a fiery intensity that sent chills down her spine. She can feel its power radiating off of it, and she knows that she is outmatched.