164: Apology with lines

Apology with lines

Gabriel's heart was heavy, and he knew that only someone who had experienced something similar could truly understand what he and his father were going through. He said, "The person responsible for her death was killed."2

Carlos's breath shuddered, and he stated, "Serves them right." After a moment of silence, he said, "It is time to prepare a grave for her. I had hoped to do it once you returned, together…" 

They didn't have Stella's ashes to place in the grave, so instead, Gabriel decided to bury this portrait made by the second prince as a way to honour her memory and offer prayer for her peace. "Yeah, I think that would be nice," he agreed. 

"Now that your work is done, you should consider settling down, Gabriel," Carlos advised as he gripped Gabriel's shoulders. "I won't be around forever and will depart one day." He added, "Anna and Dante will be marrying soon."

"I see," Gabriel responded, realising how fast things were moving. 

"He's a good man, always eager to lend a hand, though he can be a bit aloof at times. Hugh was suspicious until last evening, but it appears that everyone was won over after he saved Hawkshead from the pirates' ambush," his father said. "Anna will be happy."

When someone knocked on the door, Gabriel rose from his seat, and his father pondered aloud, "I wonder who it is?" He crossed the house and swung the door open, only to find Dante standing on their doorstep. "Hundred years to you, Dante! We were just talking about you," he exclaimed with a warm smile.

"All good, I hope?" Dante smiled, despite having overheard their conversation. 

"I was yet to speak about your fighting skills; you should teach the young men in this village!" Carlos suggested, now pleased to converse with him. 

"Gladly. There isn't much to do but wait for the seedlings to grow," Dante answered, and he saw Gabriel come to stand next to his father. "I am here to speak with Gabriel."

Dante saw Gabriel stare at him, his gaze marked by a mixture of suspicion and wariness. As his father turned to him, he said, "Let us go speak outside."

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They made their way towards one of the trees with a sitting platform built around it, providing a secluded spot for conversation. Although it was devoid of occupants, they chose not to sit down. Instead, they stood facing each other. Gabriel began, saying, 

"If you are here because you are worried about me telling everyone about who you really are, rest assured, I won't. It isn't a favour to you, but for the sake of Anna and the Flores family."

"I am not here for that," Dante stated. The two men's eyes didn't look away from each other. "I've come to offer my apologies for what I did to you two weeks ago; it was uncalled for." 

Gabriel fixed a sharp and distrustful glare at the demon who wielded extraordinary powers. He didn't know what game he was playing. However, Dante offered him a deep bow that left him momentarily speechless. Several onlookers took notice, and Gabriel remarked, 

"Your men are looking this way, and Anna too."

But Dante didn't straighten up, and he said, "My mother once told me that asking for forgiveness when you are the one in the wrong doesn't diminish your character, no matter what position you hold. I have come to recognise that I was in the wrong at that time, and today, I come to you to acknowledge the mistake I made."

The intensity of the glare in Gabriel's eyes lessened, though it didn't completely vanish. He spoke, saying, "When I found Anastasia in tears, I truly couldn't fathom what she saw in you. You are a brute of a man, Dante Blackthorn, having taken numerous lives, and possessive as shit, someone a woman like her won't appreciate; it will feel suffocating. I do want to tell Hugh about it." 

Dante remained silent and let the man speak his mind without interruption. Gabriel continued, "But I won't, knowing you two are soulmates and that revealing the truth will only damage Anna's relationship with her family."

"Regardless of the reason, thank you for your kind consideration, Gabriel. I appreciate it," Dante conveyed to the earthling. He observed the young man's frowning gaze and added, "Also, thank you for assisting Anastasia in disembarking from the ship; it helped us a lot."

Gabriel offered a slight nod and said, "I hope you have understood that I have no romantic interest in Anna, but I do immensely care for her. Most of us in this village grew up together, and what I feel for her is nothing more than brotherly affection."

Dante returned the nod, and he responded, "So I have come to understand. However, as consideration for the future, I would appreciate it if you refrained from hugging her or kissing her on the cheek." He concluded with a smile, adding, "It's a feeling I cannot help."

Gabriel had heard bits and pieces of information about soulmates from various lands, who, having demon blood in them, were known to be extremely possessive yet fiercely protective. 

He hadn't fully understood Anastasia's perspective before, but it appeared that this demon wasn't all bad, and he had some redeeming qualities. He had come to this village with her, sharing in their way of life, living as a commoner despite having the means to buy Hawkshead in a blink of his eye. 

"Don't worry, I won't. I have no interest in having my skin burnt and melted again," Gabriel retorted, pursing his lips. He continued, "If that is all you had to say, I should return home."

As Gabriel turned, ready to leave, Dante expressed, "Thank you for listening to what I had to say, Gabriel."

Dante observed the young man's shoulders relax in comparison to when he had stepped out of the house. He hadn't expected to be forgiven, but being heard was enough for now. Some situations had spiralled out of control, and he was still in the process of learning to be a better person for Anastasia. 

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Author's Note: Regarding the character voting for female for the competition going on. If you have saved your points, please vote for Anastasia Flores.

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