BLACK GHOUL
Chapter 222: Epilogue

Chapter 222: Epilogue

"It’s been a while Anubis, I thought you were secluded in your den, not back to serving the black ghoul" he said in amusement.

Anubis turns to him fully.

"You mess with the wrong black ghoul, Hunter, you have no idea what Liam is capable of now that he’s awakened, he will turn this world upside down just to find you, you touch his Queen and his children, you will know wrath itself" Anubis said for certain, knowing who Liam was, he was different from the rest black ghoul, he was a progenitor.

"I’m well aware of that, Liam is different indeed, he has even merged bodies with the first ghoul, gaining his powers and grace, truly magnificent" he said amused, it was extremely glorious, Liam was the first to have obtain both powers but still the mysteries behind his survival was still unknown, he was sure Liam shouldn’t have survived the merging with Omari but he did.

"Then you must know what’s coming for you, Hunter" Anubis said sternly.

In a flash of speed, Anubis was right in front of Hunter as he dig his hand in his chest but it passes right through.

"Still playing mind tricks huh" Anubis said pulling away, knowing Hunter wasn’t really here.

"Have to play it safe I have enemies" Hunter said.

"You still hold a grudge, it’s been centuries my dear friend, you still resent me?" He said ticking his tongue.

"Liam O’Brien maybe a unique ghoul, but he’s no match for me, neither was Omari... you should tell him what’s he’s up against, I’m not like those foes he faced at in the past, do not belittle me" he adds sternly.

Anubis fist clenched hard.

"I’m after all older than his previous ancestors, even Omari himself, I’m not his mate, neither am I his equal. You should tell him my dear friend, what I’m capable of" he states.

"That won’t get get in his way" Anubis said for certain.

Hunter chuckles as he slowly disappeared.

"Oh it will... because his son belongs to me now, you know what that means" he states.

"I will always take what belongs to me".

He fades away.

"Always"

***

Beeping sounds could heard as Riley came to, her vision cleared and found Liam staring at her with worried eyes.

"Hey" Liam said softly.

"Hey you."

"How do you feel?" He asked worried.

"Like I should dead" she confessed.

"You know I can’t let that happen"

"I know " Riley said with a beaming smile but then it fell. "The kids" she sat up and her body strained and almost collapse but Liam moved so her frame dropped on his chest and he held her tightly.

"I look and feel like shit and you who have been asleep for years look like you can fuck a mountain."

Liam bark a laugh. "God I miss you," he held her tightly almost as if he was afraid she would fade away. "The kids are fine. Eden is gonna be okay, her health have improved."

Riley sighed in relief. "There’s so much I want to tell you."

"So do I"

Their lips locked before any of them could say anything else. Locked in a deep passionate kiss they got them breathless.

Tears slid from the corner of her eyes, her hand trembling as she caressed his cheek with one hand. A sob wrecked through her as she pulled him more closer, afraid he might disappear.

"Riley" Liam murmured against her lips. "I’m not going anywhere."

"If you do I will kill you myself."

Liam smiled. "Before you do then allow me to take care of the threat against this family."

Riley instantly pulled away from him. "What do you mean?"

"I know where Hunter is, and I’m going after him. Ending this once and for all."

Riley rasped shaking her head. "The last time you went on your own to play hero, I lost you, barely getting you back, please don’t do this Liam, I can take this anymore. Your kids need you, I need you."

"Babe" he leaned to her.

"Don’t!" Riley yanked away from him and crawled out of bed, she stood on her feet the world spinning but she held her ground.

"Riley,"

"I will not go through that again!" She yelled. "I will not watch you play the hero, sacrificing yourself for some greater good!"

"This is not about some greater good" Liam said sharply, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. "This is for my family and their future. As long as Hunter lives Ethan’s life will be on his hands and I will not let that ruin his life."

"You have only been a dad for a few hours"

Liam smiled faintly. "Days" he corrected. "And Babe, thank you for making me one. They are amazing, you’re amazing."

Riley’s lip trembled uncontrollably, she broke in a fit of tears again and Liam embraced her, she clenched his shirt tightly.

"I waited so long for you to wake up," she broke. "I tried my best to stay strong. I couldn’t do it Liam, I felt so lost without you and it broke my heart when our kids sat at your bedside telling you stories about their life so that you wouldn’t miss out on anything. But I was also so happy."

Liam couldn’t bring himself to say the words, he held her through as she unravelled in his arms. "I’m sorry." The only words he could utter and yet to him it didn’t fill the hole of the years he was gone.

"Please Liam" she leaned away on that he could see her face. "Let me be selfish for once. Stay."

Liam smiled as his eyes lit up too. He leaned in her pressed his lips against her in a passionate kiss.

"I promise I’ll come back to you no matter what."

***

Liam shoes echoed as he walked the pavement, he adjusted the cufflink before sinking his hands in his pocket, with each step he took, a trail of darkness followed behind. He got closer to an abandoned church.

Hunter was present, he smiled the moment he heard the black ghoul. "You honor this old man. Tell me, who in my prime will boost about meeting the first ghoul? You’re not just Liam O’Brien anymore but a manifestation of Omari himself, a god."

Hunter turned to him and his eyes widened. Liam, stood with a large wave of darkness embracing him. "My death will be fulfilling but I’ll rest assure that i gave it my all until the end."

Liam loosened his tie, his eyes pitch golden. "Any last words before you burn in hell?

"Even if you destroy me there will be more who will come for you and your children!"

"Let them." Liam’s darkness took over the entire place.

For the very first time in his entire life, Hunter knew fear and he was more than delighted.

"I’ll destroy anyone who dare lay a hand on my family."

"BLACK GHOUL!!!!" Hunter roared.

Liam stretched his hand forward and everything was consumed by darkness.

***

Music: To Build A Home By The Cinematic Orchestra, Patrick Watson

A Few Days Later

"Mom?" Eden asked. "Will dad never come back?"

"Don’t say that! Of course he would!" Ethan interjected before Riley could speak.

She chuckled at his words. Here she was weighing the fate of her husband while her son showed immersed faith in him.

"Do you know why?"

His words pulled Riley out of her head.

"Because dad’s the black ghoul!"

"Yes!" Eden agreed.

"Come on Eden, let’s build a snowman, dad haven’t seen our skills yet, let’s make it the greatest ever!" Ethan hurried out and Eden laughed following behind.

"Let’s make five!"

"It’s our birthday tomorrow let’s make the same number"

The corner of Riley’s eyes welled with tears, she forced her body off the wooden chair and looked to the skies. She decided not to work today and leave all the business of the world and have some time with the twins. Sean and Iris handled everything without question.

"Liam" she said with emotions choking her tone.

Suddenly the sound of shoes crunching against the snow grasped her attention. Riley’s heart skipped a heart as her gaze veered in speed and landed on him.

"I’m sorry I’m late, did I make it in time?"

"Enough so that I wouldn’t have to kill you myself."

Liam closed the distance between them and caressed her cheeks and said softly. "It’s over."

For the first time in forever Riley felt a weigh lifted off her shoulder. "Welcome home, Liam"

Home. A place he never thought he would have but he did and Riley made it possible. She was an everlasting light in his life.

"It’s good to be home."

"DAD!" The twins hurried towards them and threw themselves on Liam who happily lifted them off feet.

Riley covered her mouth with her hand, silent tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. She had pictured this for so long that finally having it unfold before her eyes was a dream come true.

And they had all the time in the world to make more come true. Forever.

The End.

A/N: Thank you for reading!