Abi’s heart lurched within her even as her eyes blurred at the sight of her friend laying there, silent and lifeless. However, as she blinked, and the tears fell from her eyes, her gaze seemed to have cleared a little and she could see Alicia’s features more clearly. She did not even look as though she was dead, but just trapped in a long and endless sleep. Her cheeks were still ruddy with colour and the complexion of her skin was healthy looking. Though Abi still ended up choking on the sobs that were coming out in small bursts, she was thankful in her heart that at least Alicia still looked the same as she did the last time Abi saw her. There was no trace of death or rot that seemed to have touched her physical body.

  Slowly, Abi approached Alicia and the tears she was trying so hard to hold back ended up falling from her already flooding eyes. She did not know when, but Zeres had come to her side, and he patted Abi’s back as an attempt to offer her comfort and support.

  Alicia’s spirit was standing right across of them, watching as Abi mourn for her. She had decided not to let Abi know about her being still around in her ethereal form as well. So, she had told Zeres to keep the fact that her soul was still there from Abi too.

  It pained Alicia seeing Abi cry and mourn for her, but Alicia thought that there would not be any difference if she let her know she was still there. It would not change the fact that she was already dead. She would not go around giving Abi any false hopes as well because she knew that one day she would be gone for good. And when that happens, she did not want Abigail to cry again when that time comes.

  Worried about Abigail, Zeres tried his best to console Abi. Until eventually, Abi finally stopped crying. She knew she could only accept everything that had already happened and let go of her friend and allow her to rest in peace.

  Zeres then nodded at Lilith before she finally started the final phase of the queen witch’s burial ceremony.

  After glancing one last time at Alicia’s body, Zeres brought Abi out of the cave. Abi and Zeres then joined the vampires as Lilith, the new queen, and the witches perform the witches’ ritual.

  None of the visitors said a word. They all stood there still as stone except Abi who was still giving out little sobs and constantly wiping at the silent tears which were flowing down her cheeks as the witches sang their mourning song.

  The moon was bright that night, shining upon the dark forest.

  Until at last, the ceremony ended and the witches slowly dispersed, leaving the guests with Zeres and their new queen.

  Abi stepped forward and stood by the now sealed door of the Crystal Cave. She stood there for a long while then after bidding her final goodbye to Alicia in her heart, she placed a white rose at the base of the secret door.

  Kyle went after her and bid his farewell to the most amazing queen he had ever met. The young prince’s eyes were filled with sadness. Even though it had not been all that long since he met and befriended the witch queen, he had already created many unforgettable memories with her.

  Placing his white rose to the ground, Kyle expressed his gratitude and goodbye to Alicia in his heart and then went back to his spot.

  The other vampires followed suit, Lucas, Raven and then Alex dropped their white roses too, saying their final goodbyes to Alicia within their own hearts.

  Lastly, Zeke came forward. He quietly stared at the white flowers that were all neatly arranged on the ground. His expression remained unfathomable but the silence around him was strangely heavy. Then all too soon, he too dropped the white rose he was holding in his hand before turning his back. He then walked off without glancing back at the cave where Alicia was laid as he followed after his comrades who were now leaving.

  Upon reaching the exit of the forest, everyone stopped as Abi turned and faced Zeres. She reached out and embraced the man knowing that he was in much pain and obviously, self-loathing and self-blaming.

  She could not say nor think of any words of comfort for him because she herself was still grieving. She could only give him a comforting hug, letting him know that he was not alone in his grief.

  Alex then patted Zeres on his shoulder once the two parted. "You are going to stay here, right?" Alex asked, assuming that the man would want to keep vigil at the final resting place of Alicia.

  Zeres’ gaze suddenly flickered towards Zeke before he answered. "No. I’ll be going with Kiel." He said without averting his eyes.

  Zeke met his gaze and the men both stared at each other for a long while before they seemed to come to an understanding between them. Then Zeres spoke again. "I am going to stick with you whether you like it or not." His tone was soft, but everyone could hear a trace of intense firmness in them.

  Everyone fell silent, waiting for Zeke’s response.

  "Do what you want," was all Zeke said.

  "Well, this can’t be helped. I guess Zeres’ decision is not bad at all," Alex nodded his agreement to the arrangement that had been set. "This way, you both can watch over each other closely for now since I’m not going to be available to watch over anyone now or any time soon in the future. I have my husbandly duties to carry out now and very soon…… fatherly duties too." Alex added, as if he were talking about a very serious matter.

  ____

  A/N: Thank you for you patience. There will be 2 more chaps this week as i am trying to release 4 chapters weekly.

  p.s. I would like to request my loyal hellbounders to cast your Golden Tickets on Spellbound instead. Spellbound is my entry in this year’s spirity contest so i’ll really appreciate it if you cast your Golden Tickets there. Your supports are a huge encouragement to me. <3