The candle flickered, casting a warm glow that danced across the walls, leaving the rest of the room in wavering shadows.

A breeze drifted through the palace, carrying with it the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers.

The warm sunlight spilled into the room, gently passing over Lillia and causing her to wake up.

She stretched her aching limbs, looking over to see Abel still sound asleep.

A smile crossed her face as she looked at Abel, knowing they were together brought her comfort and happiness.

Lillia got dressed and headed to the dining room, where Jerry laid out her breakfast.

“Thank you, Jerry.” Lillia always liked how lively the castle was despite being in the Realm of the Dead.

The spirit politely bowed, then wandered back into the kitchen, leaving Lillia to enjoy her breakfast.

“There you are.” Lillia turned around to see Alastor pull out a chair and take a seat.

“Good morning, Alastor.”

Alastor picked up on Lillia’s tone. “It seems like you had a good night.”

The two stayed silent as Jerry pushed his creaking cart, delivering Alastor’s breakfast.

“Thank you.” Jerry bowed once more then left.

Once the two were alone once more, Lillia responded to Alastor, “Abel, and I made our relationship official.”

Alastor smiled, “I’m happy, for the both of you.”

“Thanks.”

The two finished their tasty meals and went over to the arena, where the other’s were training.

Alastor looked at the group, smiling when he noticed their dedication to getting stronger.

“Good morning.” Everyone stopped what they were doing, and responded in kind.

Lilith, who was practicing her control, ran over to Alastor and embraced him tightly, “I’m sorry for putting your business out there, and making you feel like you have to talk to me.”

Alastor wrapped his arms around her. “Lilith, you didn’t make me do anything, I told you to ask any questions you wanted. I wanted to share my stories with you.”

“I’m glad, I thought I was pushing you away.”

Kimber let go of her embrace. Happy with her answer, she went back to her training.

Alastor walked to the back of the arena, and sat on the hard stone floor.

With his legs crossed he began concentrating, he could feel the shift in the air as the everyone made their moves, he could sense the heat radiating off their bodies, and could feel the ground gently vibrate.

With an exhale, Alastor appeared in front of a familiar metal door, his burning body illuminated the dark, cold hallway.

With a gentle press, the door creaked open. Inside was the same girl Alastor saw all those nights ago.

“Kimber.” Alastor walked inside the room, and knelt next down to his daughter.

The door gently shut leaving them alone to talk.

Kimber let out a croak as she tried to talk.“I know what happened with my sons. You don’t have to explain yourself, dad.”

“I know, it’s just I’m sorry for not watching over them while you were here.”

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Kimber hugged Alastor and responded, “It’s not your fault.”

“Thank you.” Alastor got up and turned to the empty hall.

“Next time they, try to hurt you guys like that again. Kill them.” Alastor heard his daughter’s words loud and clear.

The fire that was Alastor snuffed itself out, leaving Kimber alone.

Alastor opened his eyes, revealing a smiling Lilith. “Abel said that there’s a beach in this realm, and was wondering if you wanted to go.”

Alastor got up, and filled his nose with the fresh air. “Sure.”

Hours later, they stood on the shore, a salty breeze gently flowing past them, as waves crashed against the sand. The group wore their bathing suits that Jack, the castle tailor, had made for them.

“It’s beautiful,” Lilith exclaimed.

The group agreed. The sun was at its peak, reflecting beautifully on the soft waves as the sound of birds passed by.

The girls immediately ran towards the ocean, leaving the past behind them. Alastor and Abel smiled knowing the tough choices had made this peace possible.

The others joined them on the shoreline where the sat upon the grainy sand.

“You know what, Alastor. You were right. I never understood why we fought so hard all these years, the sacrifices you made, and the hardships we endured. But seeing my girl so happy, even for a little, made that all worth it.” Abel shed a tear.

Alastor wrapped his arm around Abel. “That’s our final goal. This is the reason I’ve fought so hard.”

Abel turned around to the spirits that were setting up the grill, and tent. “Once you’re done setting everything up, go and enjoy yourselves. Alastor, and I will take care of everything else.”

The spirits happily set everything up, and began having their own fun with each other.

Abel and Alastor opened up the coolers that they packed. They were filled with an assortment of beer and fresh ingredients.

Alastor lit up the coals with a burst of his hot flames, and Abel began grilling the meat.

The food filled the air with a flavorful, meaty smell that caused the group to become hungry, and subsequently sit at the table.

Their mouths watered as Abel served them their plates of meat, and grilled vegetables.

“This is good,” said Benjamin.

“Definantly. I never had something so tasty,” Exclaimed Lillia.

Jerry was next to talk, “This is expected from my master.”

Everyone devoured their meal, not wasting a single drop.

“Man, I’m stuffed.” said Leon

“Indeed,” agreed Benjamin.

While the group talked about the food, Abel walked toward the water, admiring the beautiful sheen the sunset cast across the sky.

“The sky is beautiful.” Lillia stood next to Abel, admiring the sky as well.

“Not as beautiful as you though.” Abel replied.

Lilith felt her face start to heat up. “You do know we’re going back to our world after tonight, right?”

Abel broke his gaze on the sky to focus on Lillia. “I wanted to talk to you about that. Would you be comfortable with me coming to the mortal realm with you?”

Lillia felt her heart beat faster and faster. “If you truly want to be with me in the mortal realm, then I’m fine with it.”

Abel grabbed her hand and pulled her close, causing her world to stop. “If you allow it, I want to be wherever you go.”

Lillia’s heart was pounding faster than it ever has. “I would like that.”

The two, feeling on top of the world, leaned in and kissed.Everyone watched in surprise, but they all had one thing in common, they were happy for Lillia.

The day went by quickly, and before long, a full moon took the place of the sun, casting a reflection over the water.

The group surrounded a warm campfire, that Alastor created, celebrating Lillia’s new relationship.

Alastor, intoxicated on beer, was the one to speak first, “All of us have struggles, whether it be small or large, but what matters most is the people we choose to spend time with. It brings me joy to know that all I’ve fought for was worth it in the end.”

Everyone lifted their beer into the air, signifying their agreement with Alastor.

Abel laid his head on top of Lillia’s and added onto Alastor’s speech, “I know that times are rough, but if we stick together, we can do anything we put our minds to.”

The hours they spent drinking, resulted in them getting drunk, and passing out under the beautiful glow of the moon.

Lilith woke up hours later, and grabbed her pounding head. It took a few seconds for her to remember why she was sleeping on the beach.

“You’re finally up,” Alastor said with a grin.

“Barely,” Lilith said, trying to stand.

Alastor placed a fiery finger on her forehead, causing the hangover to fade away. “Thanks.”

Lilith stretched and looked around the beach, noticing her friends were still asleep from last night’s drinking. “Are we the only ones up?”

“Yeah.”

Lilith walked over to the cooler and grabbed a cold water. “You want one?” she asked, showing the bottle to Alastor.

He agreed.

Alastor finished his water and asked Lilith a question, “Have you given any thought about ruling Sol?”

Lilith felt like she got hit with a tone of bricks. “I totally forgot about that. I don’t know what I’m going to say to them.”

“Just follow your heart. If you believe you can lead them, then go for it. Just remember, whatever you choose, I’ll be by your side.”

Lilith knew she wasn’t fit to be a queen, but with Alastor’s support, she felt like she could do anything. “If you’re there by my side I think I’ll be able to manage.”

Alastor gave Lilith a comforting smile. “Of course, I’ll be there for you.”

Lilith began feeling nervous as she asked Alastor the question she had been wanting to ask, “Do you want to be with me, as a couple?”

Alastor walked up to Lilith, her heart beating faster with each step he took. He looked into her glowing amethyst eyes, and replied, “Nothing would make me happier.”

The moments Lilith spent staring into Alastor’s eyes made her heart to dance with excitement once more. Feeling mesmerized, she leaned in for a kiss.