-No… I can't let you do this! I won't make the same mistake twice. You're coming with me.
( Luzbel said, her voice breaking with anguish )
Luzbel grabbed Morgan's hand roughly, clinging to him as if letting go meant losing him forever, and tried to pull him away from there. But Morgan remained firm, unmoving, as if his feet were rooted to the ground. He didn't move even an inch.
Luzbel turned around to look at him. In her eyes burned desperation, mixed with a growing irritation.
-Come on, Morgan! We don't have time for this! We have to get you out of here, right now! Come on!
( Luzbel shouted, on the verge of collapse )
Morgan gently raised his hand and touched hers. He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to engrave that instant into his heart. He gave a faint smile… sad, calm, resigned. Then he slowly shook his head.
-Please, Morgan… let's go. Nothing else matters anymore. The only thing that matters now is that you're safe.
Luzbel moved closer to his face, almost pleading. She took his face in both hands, trembling, forcing him to look at her.
-So please… I beg you… listen to me and follow me.
( Luzbel said, pleading )
Morgan remained silent for a few seconds that felt eternal. The entire world seemed to hold its breath. Then he took Luzbel's hands and gently pushed them away, as if afraid of hurting her. He let out a deep sigh before speaking.
-I truly… really… appreciate how much you care about me. But your life, Galahad's life, Zarathoz's and Satana's… they matter too. And if I run away from here… I don't know what might happen to them. I know that if I leave now, I would never forgive myself. So please forgive me… but I can't go with you. This is something I have to do… on my own.
( Morgan said, with a sad smile )
Luzbel fell to her knees. Her strength finally left her. She wrapped her arms around Morgan's legs in desperation and burst into tears, repeating his name over and over, begging him not to leave her.
Seeing her like that, Morgan immediately crouched down and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against his chest.
-Don't cry, Miss Luzbel… don't worry. I… I will come back. No matter what happens. I can't allow myself to be defeated here. If I want to fulfill that dream of mine… I have to keep moving forward. So don't cry, okay? Trust me… trust that I won't lose. I promise you.
( Morgan said, with unbreakable determination )
From a distance, Morgan noticed Galahad watching them in silence, shy, not daring to interrupt. Seeing her, Morgan smiled faintly. He stood up and took a few steps back, positioning himself where all three girls could see him.
The sun settled behind him, illuminating his figure. The light outlined his silhouette as if the sky itself were pointing at him. Morgan raised his hand and pointed upward with his finger.
-I, Morgan the axolotl, promise and swear that I will face Kalista… and defeat her. And when I succeed, I will create a world where no one ever suffers again. A world where hatred and pain do not exist, where everyone can smile without fear… and live with dignity.
( Morgan shouted, with pride )
Satana smiled upon hearing his declaration. Without hesitation, she was the first to respond.
-Yes… I trust you.
Galahad, filled with joy, finally stepped forward and nodded vigorously.
-Yes, yes, yes! I trust you too!
Luzbel looked at his face, his smile, the way the sunlight wrapped around him. For a moment, she thought she saw the image of someone else superimposed over Morgan… someone from the past, someone who once also challenged fate.
Morgan extended his hand to help her up. Luzbel took it. Still crying, she smiled.
-Yes… I trust you. I'm going to trust you.
Morgan replied with another smile and, shaking his body as if casting away all doubt, approached the three of them.
-Good.
( Morgan said, with absolute certainty )
Then he fixed his gaze on Luzbel and asked, in a firm voice:
-Miss Luzbel, if I'm going to do this… I need you to tell me everything you know about her.
( Morgan said, thinking of Kalista )
Luzbel wiped away her tears, and her expression changed. Sadness gave way to determination.
-Yes.
( Luzbel said firmly )
-This is my first fight… and I can't lose it. I have to use everything in my favor. I'm going to win, no matter how. I have to win.
( Morgan said, with a resolute fury echoing in his mind )
From above, with his hands in his pockets, Zarathoz watched them in silence.
-I suppose this will show who you truly are, kid.
His gaze shifted to Satana, who was still smiling.
-You'd better not disappoint me, brat.
( Zarathoz said, in a threatening tone )
End of the chapter.
Next chapter: The battle begins.
At the time I'm publishing this chapter, it's still 11:38 at night. I want to take this moment to wish a happy New Year to everyone who reads my work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you've given this story; I never imagined I would receive so much affection. One of my goals for the end of this year was to reach 50 published chapters, and fortunately, I not only achieved it, but even surpassed it a little.
My goal for next year is to complete the first volume of this story and begin the second. Once again, thank you so much for all the support. I hope you continue accompanying me as always.
Mr.Nigth wishes you a happy New Year.