Hellbound Heart

This bonus chapter is dedicated to @Sacogun! Thank you so very much for the supergifts!

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After the pleasant dinner, Alexander and Sebastian left the dining as Elle and Abi did the chores together. Amidst the laughter and chatter between the ladies, it was clear that they were enjoying themselves immensely.

The thick fog was gone when the two men stepped out of the main door. Even the moon had started to peek through the clouds and was shining up above along with the numerous stars that appeared in the dark sky after the thunderstorm.

"I need you to tell me the plans playing in your mind about this matter, Sebastian." Alex started without beating around the bush.

Sebastian brought his cigarette out and puffed out the smoke, staring up at the sky. He had messaged Alexander about this matter because he knew that Abigail was once as clueless as Izabelle about all these secrets they had.

He was still unsure of how to reveal everything to her. Or if it was even a wise thing to do. In his heart, he felt like it was too early. He was worried… really f**king worried. In fact, it was unbelievable how shaken he was now that the moment he promised her had come.

And the most shocking thing was the tinge of fear in his heart. Since they were getting closer to this town, his mind had started to scream at him, telling him that this was a bad decision. His mind was insisting that this would definitely push Izabelle away from him.

And then her terrified face from last night at the tub played over and over again in his head. What if this truth would only terrify her to the extreme? What if she…

"I'm not confident about the outcome." Sebastian finally spoke, his voice low and serious. "So, I'm seriously… hesitating right now. I believe it's still way too soon for her to learn about all these things."

Alex sighed but he looked at Sebastian with understanding. His expression held a message saying that he totally understood him.

"I understand, Sebastian. Of course, this wouldn't be easy. For now, I think you should stop thinking about this. Just relax and loosen up during your stay here, especially tonight and the whole day tomorrow. I really think that we should resume this talk after the festival tomorrow." Alex then suggested, reaching out and patting his shoulder in a gesture of comfort to the younger man. "For now, try not to overthink about anything. You're too tense, Sebby. You're really going to make her as tense as you are if you continue behaving like this."

Sebastian shut his eyes closed and exhaled heavily. He knew Alexander was right. He knew he could hardly hide anything from Izabelle lately.

"It's such a timely thing that you came during the festival. The last day and the most awaited day of the festival is tomorrow. You two should really just relax first and just enjoy the festivities. Everything can wait until later. I believe that Elle would love to spend a day just enjoying being with you on the outside. Do you guys have outfits ready for the festivities?"

"Outfits…" Sebastian echoed. His brows knotted together as he looked questioningly at Alex.

"Ah, I forgot you're that grumpy young man who never cared about these matters." Alex sighed like an old man disappointed with how clueless young men were about the old traditions. "It's the Masked Goddess Festival so everyone in town tomorrow is going to wear their own masks and long dresses. It'd be really such a convenient excuse for people like us so we can all blend in with everyone without any citizens noticing us. It's that time to be just like everyone so this is the perfect for you both to go out and let loose out there. But for now, come on inside. We'd better go prepare your outfits for tomorrow."

Alex did not wait for him after he said those words and just left.

Staring up at the sky, Sebastian let out a deep breath. He was certain Izabelle would definitely love to go out there freely after all the days she had been kept cooped up inside the castle.

After taking a long time outside, Sebastian finally entered and found the trio gathered and continuing their discussion in the living room. Just as Alex had said, there were already boxes everywhere, containing outfits.

"Sebastian…" Elle smiled at him. "I've found something for you. I think this will look really good on you!" Her eyes sparkled as she spread out a royal blue robe for him to see. The festival was the time where women could dress up as the masked goddess and the men could wear long robes, representing the King who had stayed next to her in the legend.

"I wasn't able to use that a couple years ago as Abi suddenly decided to change outfits and I needed to match hers." Alex said as he looked at his wife.

"You're saying, outfits should match?" Sebastian asked.

"It's not a must of course."

Sebastian looked at Elle. "Where's yours?"

"Right here," Elle lifted the dress for him to see. It was also in a royal blue color.

Sebastian wordlessly took the robe from Elle and then sat next to her.

Alex, who was lazily sitting on the couch smirked in amusement.

"Now, let's make the masks. This one's the hardest part but we'll just recycle our previous masks for you guys to match with the colors.." Abi said and Elle joined her enthusiastically.

Abi decided to wear a silk face veil that covered up the lower half of her face and not one that was like the masquerade type.

"Which one would you like?" She asked Sebastian.

"I'm fine with anything." Was his answer, so Elle took the same-colored facial veil to try it on him.

"Let's try this one then." She said and carefully, she covered the lower half of his face with the veil, and then looked at him, only to pause at the realization that their faces were just inches apart.