The Cursed Demon Prince-Chapter 243: Final Goodbyes

With swollen, red eyes, she stared at the corpse of the witch, the woman who had saved her life. Lilith wished she could cry more, but her eyes were too tired to shed any more tears.

She had long leaned into the embrace of the prince, drawing comfort and warmth from his presence.

Her knees were numb and sore, which caused Lilith to rise to her feet. Hades assisted her as she stood, her legs wobbling slightly before stabilizing.

He brushed his thumb gently over her rosy cheeks. "You should rest. You are not fully recovered yet, even though you look as perfect as you always have."

Lilith nodded in agreement. Even though a part of her wanted to remain with the witch, she knew it was not a wise choice, she was mentally and physically drained. As Hades draped his arm over her shoulder, leading her toward the door, the air around them stiffened immediately, and they both halted, realizing it at the same time.

They turned to look at each other, confusion etched on their faces as they wondered what was happening.

Just as suddenly as the air had stiffened, it turned cold, midwinter cold. Chills seeped into their skin as goosebumps spread across their bodies.

"What’s going on?" Lilith whispered, her eyes scanning the room. Steam escaped from her mouth, evidence of how cold it had become. When she received no response from the prince, she turned to him, ready to speak again, but paused at the look on his face.

Hades had gone pale, his gaze fixed on a spot behind her.

Lilith followed his line of sight, and her expression mirrored his.

She didn’t need to be told who she was looking at. She remembered that face as clearly as she remembered her own name. Good gods! she looked even more unearthly in person.

Her hair cascaded down her shoulders in thick waves, stopping at her mid-back. The golden dress clung to her body like a second skin, the small gems glistening as she moved closer, her eyes locked on Hades just as his were locked on her.

Lilith could only watch, speechless and in awe, as the Queen stood a few feet from her son, a radiant smile stretched across her beautiful face.

"Hades," she called softly, her voice exactly as one would expect from a woman like her.

His throat bobbed as he struggled to make sense of what was happening. "How... how is this possible? How are you here?" Hades’ voice was barely above a whisper.

"Salistra is the reason I’m here," the Queen replied. "She pleaded with the goddess to grant me a few minutes in the realm of the living to see you." A tinge of sadness clouded her eyes as her gaze shifted to the corpse lying still on the makeshift bed.

Shortly after, her eyes returned to Hades. Celeste moved closer to him, her gaze sweeping him from head to toe.

"Oh my gods! You have grown into such a handsome man, my dear Hades." She brushed her hands lightly over his coat. "I’ve always imagined what you would look like as a grown man. I’m also glad you took more of my features than your father’s," she added with a small chuckle, which Hades managed to smile at.

Tears clouded her eyes as she cupped his cheeks. Hades closed his eyes, welcoming her touch. "I can’t believe I’m actually here, touching you, speaking to you. I have dreamed of this for far too long." Her voice cracked, her lips quivering as she spoke.

Tears gathered in the prince’s eyes as well. He placed his hand over his mother’s, squeezing it gently. "I can’t believe this either. I have missed you terribly, Mother."

"Oh, my sweet boy!" Celeste choked on her tears as she pulled Hades into a tight embrace, which he returned. The hug lasted a long moment before she pulled away, kissing each of his cheeks and wiping the tear stains from her face.

"Oh, you must be Lilith," she said. "Forgive my manners, I was overwhelmed with seeing my son after so many years." She turned to Lilith and pulled her into a sudden hug, rubbing her back.

"I’m so happy to see you as well. You are very dear to my son, which makes you very dear to me." Celeste pulled away, holding Lilith’s hands in hers. "She is such a beautiful thing, Hades."

Lilith blushed at the compliment while Hades chuckled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You are very kind."

"Oh, please. Call me Celeste. We are family now," she teased.

She leaned in again, whispering, "Please take care of Hades. I see the way he looks at you, he is completely smitten. And I can tell you feel the same about him. Promise me you will always remain by his side, for as long as you both live."

Lilith swallowed. "I promise."

A sigh of relief escaped Celeste’s lips. "Thank you, Lilith. I wish things were different and that I had the chance to know you better, but I will not dwell on a possibility that can never become reality. I am simply glad Hades found his soulmate. Thank you, Lilith. I shall forever be grateful to you."

She turned to Hades. "Take care of this beautiful woman and do not cause her pain, or I shall haunt you in your dreams."

They both laughed softly.

"I will never hurt her or cause her pain not in this world or any other," Hades said firmly, making Lilith’s heart swell.

"That is good to hear," Celeste replied. "My greatest wish was to see you again, and now that I have, I can finally rest in peace knowing you are living better than I ever prayed you would. I am so proud of you, my dear Hades. And I love you." She turned to Lilith. "Both of you. You have made me genuinely happy."

Celeste let go of their hands, lowering hers to her sides. "I fear cannot stay any longer. I must return to my resting place."

"I love you, Mother, and I hope to meet you again," Hades said, his words heavy with sadness.

"Live a long and happy life, my son. I shall continue to pray for you. I must leave now, Hades... Lilith." She drew in a deep breath. "I shall see you both again."

She smiled, and a bright light slowly filled the room, forcing Lilith and Hades to shield their eyes. When the light faded, they lowered their hands.

Celeste was gone, just as suddenly as she had appeared.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke, staring at the spot where she had stood. Lilith finally looked up at Hades. "Are you alright?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Hades met her gaze. "Yes, my love. I’m alright." He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Are you sure?"

He smiled, knowing she didn’t believe him. "Yes. I’m completely certain." He kissed her again, longer this time. "I love you," he whispered against her lips before sealing the kiss one last time and pulling away. "Let’s get you back to the bedroom so you can rest. We have long days ahead of us."

Unable to form any words, Lilith allowed Hades to guide her out of the crypt and back to her chambers.