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The thunderstorm was growing worse with each passing second. It roars and stirs the clouds into violent waves, making it feel as though even the air itself was being battered by an unseen hand.
Ocean tides rush through the shoreline in violent crescendos, washing away all trace of what has been.
The sea is like a black hole, sucking anything it touches down into its depths. There is no return to the surface; everything that once was drowned in its grasp is forever lost. The world above is nothing but a void, without stars or moonlight guiding the way.
All that remains is a vast ocean of darkness, in which not even the sun can shine for more than a fleeting moment. It swallows everything within sight in a single night, leaving only the most desperate of cries echoing out in its wake.
Hunter stood there, petrified as his gaze locked into the witches cries and screams, and standing there he can see Belos with a cynical smile plastered across his lips.
He could feel blood rushing to his head at all this noise. The witches around him screaming, people falling and getting injured in his attempt to flee from it, but more importantly to Hunter. He couldn’t hear anything other than his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. His entire body ached, he could feel blood dripping down the side of his forehead, but it didn't hurt as much anymore. His mind was focused solely on escaping his uncle's wrath.
As his hand tightened around the hilt of his staff, he felt the sharp edge bite into his skin, causing an agonizing cry to escape from his lips. He wanted nothing more than to stop now, but his feet stilled him and he continued to make one step after another.
Belos took his time approaching Hunter, his hands inching closer and closer until they were finally clasping Hunter's upper arm. The grip was rough enough that it burned through Hunter's thin shirt.
He turned to face his uncle with wide eyes filled with fright and tears threatening to fall.
Belos transformed into the monster he was, raising his scythe-like arm. "The titan has big plans for you, Hunter." Belos said, voice dripping with malice.
Hunter wakes up from his nightmare, chest rising rapidly before he let out a scream. Tears are streaming down his face, making him look like a fool. A sob escapes Hunter's throat as his legs shake, unable to control them.
He clutches his chest trying to stop his breathing from becoming so laboured while his eyes continue to water and blur his vision. As he tries to steady himself he takes notice to the pain he feels throughout his entire being. It seems like all of his bones have been shattered, his muscles are sore and tired. His limbs feel heavy and it pains him so much, he wants to curl up into himself and hide from everything in general. But Hunter knows that isn't the case, if something goes wrong then it will be his fault that the others suffer because of him.
Suddenly, he hears footsteps. They seem very slow and rhythmic.
"Hunter?" a gentle and calm voice called. The voice belonged to none other than Darius, who entered into Hunter's bedroom.
Hunter slowly lifts his head and looks towards the door. There stood Darius, staring right back at him with worry in his eyes. "Darius." Hunter spoke quietly. It hurts his throat to speak, but it doesn't matter since Darius is able to understand what he wants to say.
"Are you alright? What happened?" Darius softly asked, gently laying his hand on Hunter's shoulder.
Hunter shakes his head quickly which causes a small wave of dizziness to go through him. He lowers his gaze in shame. "I'm sorry I woke you." He muttered.
Darius frowns, taking hold of Hunter's hand. It's cold as ice and trembling violently as he held it, Darius drew his gaze at his son, giving a gentle squeeze. "You don't have to apologize, Hunter. You can tell me anything you want, it's alright." Darius replied, giving a reassuring smile.
After a few seconds of silence Hunter managed to collect his courage and look up to meet Darius gaze once again.
"It's..." Hunter began but stopped midway, his words suddenly getting stuck on the tip of his tongue. He knew he could trust Darius with whatever had happened to him. "I had a nightmare, about Belos." He admitted, feeling incredibly guilty. Even though he knows that Belos would never come for him, it was hard not to fear it.
Darius lets go of Hunter's hand, only to have brought his hand to wipe away tears. "Belos is far gone, little prince. He won't hurt you again. You know I wouldn't allow him to, we both know it. And we both know that I'll protect you." Darius reassures, pressing a soft kiss on top of Hunter's hair.
Hunter nods softly, letting out a breath. He knew that Darius wouldn't let any harm happen to him, but that does nothing to quell the anxiety bubbling within. He always knew Darius cared deeply about him, as if like a son.
"Can you stay?" Hunter whispers quietly, afraid that Darius would leave if he speaks too loud.
"Of course, I'll always be here for you." Darius promises, kissing Hunter's temple once more. Hunter fell into his arms and allowed himself to get engulfed by the comfort that Darius gave off.
He clung to him and breathed in his comforting scent. It smelled like lavender, of course for a witch like Darius. After a while Hunter broke the hug and looked up at Darius. "Thanks." He whispered, wiping away the last of his tears.
"For you little prince? Anything." Darius replies, cupping his cheek in his palm. Hunter closed his eyes and leant into the touch. "Now how about you get some sleep?"
"Yeah, sure." Hunter agrees, turning around and crawling under the covers. Once he laid down he found himself instantly drifting back into slumber, with Darius there to comfort and ease his fears.