The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 220: Old Friend

Lilith couldn’t hold back the tears streaming down her face. The rush of happiness and relief flooding through her felt almost unreal. Hades held her tightly, one hand gently stroking the back of her head while the other wrapped securely around her waist, anchoring her to him.

"I still can’t believe you’re here. It feels like I’m dreaming," she whispered, her face buried in the crook of his neck.

"It’s not a dream, love. I’m really here and I’m not going anywhere," the prince murmured, his voice low and soothing.

Lilith took a deep breath before slowly pulling away. His grip loosened, and he gently set her back on her feet. Her eyes moved over him from head to toe. "Are you alright? Is anything hurting? Should I call for Salistra?"

He smiled softly and brushed his thumb over her cheek. "I’m fine, Lilith. I already saw Salistra, she was the first person I met when I woke up."

"Oh, alright. What about Viktor and Charlotte? Have you seen them? Are they doing well?"

"Not yet. I only woke up yesterday, and the witch insisted I stay in bed to rest. But she told me they’re both doing well."

Lilith let out a long sigh of relief. "That’s wonderful," she said, her smile warm and genuine. "I’m so happy to see you. I’ve missed you so much."

He leaned closer, his hand sliding to the back of her neck as he drew her in. His gaze dropped to her lips, and before either of them could think twice, Hades captured her mouth in a slow and deep kiss savoring the familiar sweetness of her. She felt so maddeningly good against him.

He had meant to take things slow, but when her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers tangled in his hair, the control he had quickly slipped away. His kisses grew more urgent, more consuming, his hand moving down to grip her waist, then lower, pulling her flush against him.

Lilith followed his lead, surrendering to the heat of his touch and the intoxicating rhythm of his mouth. She could stay like this forever, in his arms, his lips claiming hers, his warmth seeping into her bones. Goosebumps prickled her skin as his lips trailed down her jaw to her neck, kissing, nipping, and tasting every inch of her. It felt divine....too divine to stop.

His mouth and hands moved over her with hunger, increasing the fire building inside her. Lilith’s hands slipped beneath his shirt, gliding over the hard lines of his chest and the tension in his muscles. She dragged her nails lightly across his back, and Hades groaned low in his throat.

In one smooth motion, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her down gently before hovering over her, his dark eyes burning with desire.

His body pressed firmly against hers, his hands gliding down to her thighs, massaging them gently before moving higher. She could feel his arousal pressing against her, sending shivers racing down her spine.

When Hades finally pulled away, both of them were panting hard, their chests rising and falling as they struggled to catch their breath.

"I missed you too," he whispered against her lips before rolling onto his side of the bed.

Lilith’s gaze dropped to the corner of his mouth, where a small smear of blood glistened. "I think I hurt your lips," she murmured softly.

Hades ran his tongue over his lips, wiping away the blood before smiling at her. "It’s nothing. I’m fine." He leaned in to give her a soft, lingering kiss. "Do you want to see the others yet?"

"Not yet," Lilith replied, her voice low. "I just want to lay here with you for a while."

"Alright," he said gently. "Let’s lay down properly. Your neck will start to hurt if you stay like that too long."

"Very well, Your Highness," she teased, sitting up to give him space to fix the bed. Once he was done, she settled back beside him, her head resting on his chest, her arm draped around his waist. The rhythm of his heartbeat filled her ears, wrapping her in a quiet sense of peace.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, lost in the comfort of each other’s presence, before Lilith drifted back to sleep. Hades tried to follow her into slumber, but rest wouldn’t come. With a soft sigh, he carefully slipped out from under her, pulled the covers over her body, and pressed a kiss to her forehead before leaving the room.

There was someone he needed to see.

He would never admit it out loud, but he had missed the man, more than he cared to admit.

A maid informed him that Viktor was in the study handling some household matters. Hades paused at the door for a heartbeat, then pushed it open and strode inside, his hands tucked into his trouser pockets, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Good evening, old friend."

He saw the flicker of emotions cross Viktor’s face, the initial shock freezing him in place before realization dawned. Viktor abruptly rose from his chair and crossed the room in quick strides, pulling Hades into a tight embrace.

The gesture caught Hades off guard, he stood stiffly, unsure what to do with his hands but before he could react Viktor pulled back almost immediately, clearing his throat. "I...sorry about that. How are you feeling? Are you alright now?" he asked, trying to regain his composure.

Hades smiled softly. "Yes, I’m alright. Thank you." He paused for a moment, then added quietly, "How about you? How’s your... injury?" His gaze dropped to Viktor’s torso.

"It’s all healed up, which is rather surprising," Viktor replied with a light chuckle. He lifted his shirt slightly, revealing the now-healed wound, with only a faint scar remaining.

A tensed moment of silence passed.

The prince swallowed hard. "Forgive me for that... and for all the pain I caused you and everyone in this castle. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for you all." His voice grew thick with emotion.

A sad smile curved Viktor’s lips. "There’s nothing for you to apologize for, Hades. None of it was your fault. We’re just glad it’s over and that you’re back to yourself again."

Hades returned the smile, though Viktor’s words only deepened the ache in his chest. He was supposed to be their protector, their shield against darkness, yet he had been the source of their suffering. It was a burden he knew he would carry for the rest of his life.

"Are you alright? You seem lost in thought," Viktor’s voice cut through the silence.

"I’m alright," Hades said, crossing his arms over his chest. "How’s Charlotte?"

"She’s well," Viktor replied. "We all are, Hades. Everything will be alright. You don’t have to carry this weight alone. We’ve faced chaos before, and we’ve always pulled through, this time is no different."

Hades gave a small nod, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

"Well then," Viktor continued, glancing toward the door, "we’ll continue this conversation later. There’s something urgent I need to attend to."

As he walked past, Hades placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Viktor. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and for this kingdom."

Viktor smiled, giving his arm a firm pat. "We’re family, Hades. It’s only right that we stand by each other in times of need."

He offered the prince one last reassuring smile before turning and leaving the study, the sound of the door closing softly behind him.