The next morning, they left the serene house and headed back home. The school holidays were over, and Karla went back to school and daycare. She was hoping to see Mr. Zel, especially after hearing he was back, but he was on paternity leave for four months.
Everyone was curious about Mr. Zel's sudden leave, but only Karla knew the real reason.
"Where's Mr. Zel?" Jet asked one day.
"The teachers said he's on paternity leave," Isaac answered. "But what's that?"
"They said Mr. Zel had children, so he's resting," Karla added. "Or playing with them."
The other kids thought it was strange but quickly shifted their focus to their studies, as exams were coming up.
---
At home, Azazel lay on the couch, his thoughts drifting. "I wonder how the children are," he mused. "I wonder if they were surprised to not see me after school started."
"The other teachers would probably explain it to them," Kreo reassured. "But I want to ask, what flower do you like?"
"Why?" Azazel asked back, curious. "I like roses, like a typical person."
Kreo stepped in front of him, hands hidden behind his back before revealing a few roses.
"Where did you buy them?" Azazel slowly sat up, amazed. "They're beautiful."
"Just made them," Kreo replied with a smile.
Azazel was impressed by Kreo's progress. It had only been a few days, yet he was already mastering his powers better than before.
"Thank you," Azazel said, taking the roses and holding them delicately. "You're getting really good at this."
Kreo sat beside him. "I have a good teacher."
Azazel laughed softly. "Maybe. But you've got the talent."
They spent the rest of the day together, enjoying the quiet moments. Kreo practised his powers more, creating small objects and flowers, each time growing more confident.
Later that evening, as they sat in the living room, Kreo looked at Azazel. "You know, I never thought we'd still be here. After everything that happened."
"Me neither," Azazel admitted. "But I'm glad we are."
Kreo leaned in, his voice soft. "I love you, hun. No matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Azazel's eyes softened. "I love you too, Kreo."
They enjoyed their moment for a bit before Kreo thought of something. "I need to pick up Karla," he said, checking the time. It was 5:45 pm.
Azazel looked at him with confusion. 'Why is he picking up Karla this early today? He usually arrives much later,' he thought.
On the drive to pick up Karla, Azazel couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "Why the early pick-up?"
"I'm on leave too," Kreo answered. "But just for three days. The public still doesn't know about the kids."
"Just three days?" Azazel said, puzzled. 'You act like you're on leave every day.' He thought.
When they reached the school, Azazel stepped out of the car with Kreo. As soon as the children saw him, they ran over, shouting, "Mr. Zel!"
Azazel smiled warmly, crouching down to greet them. "Hey, everyone! How have you been?"
The kids crowded around him, bombarding him with questions and excited stories. Karla joined the group, her eyes shining with happiness at seeing Azazel again.
"I missed you, Mr. Zel!" Karla said, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you too, 'Jane'," Azazel replied, hugging her back. "How was school?"
"It's been good. But it's better now that you're back," Karla said, beaming.
Kreo watched the scene with a smile, feeling a sense of contentment. Despite everything, they were managing to keep their family together. As they drove back home, Karla told all about the daycare and Azazel listened.
That evening, Karla wanted to be together with them for dinner. The house was filled with laughter and warmth. It was in these moments that they found solace and strength.
After dinner, Kreo showed his magic to Karla before sending her back to their parents home. They said their goodbyes, and the couple went home too.
[Azazel's POV]
"When does your three-day leave end?" I asked.
"Today," Kreo answered. "I have to pick up some documents now. Do you mind coming along?"
I shook my head, though curiosity gnawed at me. What exactly did Kreo do for a living?
Kreo drove for a while. I kept looking at my phone, but the drive felt long, and my curiosity grew. "Where are we going?" I finally asked.
"Government office," he answered.
I stayed silent, processing this new information. 'He works with the government? That's not bad,' I thought.
We arrived at a heavily guarded gate. Kreo's car passed through without any issues, and he parked near the front entrance. We got out, and I followed him as he used a card to unlock the gates, the elevator, and finally, his office.
Inside, Kreo busied himself looking for his documents while I wandered around the room. The place was neat, filled with various files and reports. Kreo stepped out momentarily to get something, leaving me alone in the office.
Curiosity got the better of me. I approached his desk and glanced at some of the documents. 'City damages, people's lives…' I froze as something else caught my eye.
"This can't be," I muttered, my heart racing.
I stared at a contract in disbelief. 'Villain must be killed by all means,' it read. A long list of things travelled down the paper, if a hero ever did one of these things there would be a severe consequence…
"Execution?!" I whispered, horrified.
I put the contract back down, my mind reeling. I hadn't thought of this. If anyone discovered Kreo keeping the villain safe, he would be executed.
Panic surged through me. How could I have been so careless? Kreo's life is at stake, and it was all because of me.
Kreo returned, holding another file. He noticed my pale face and concerned expression. "Baby, are you okay?"
I struggled to keep my voice steady. "Yeah, just… tired."
He gave me a reassuring smile, oblivious to the turmoil inside me. "I finished gathering my documents. Let's head home."
As we left the office, my mind was a whirlwind of fear and guilt. I couldn't let him pay the price for my past.
The drive back was silent. Kreo seemed focused on the road, while I was lost in my thoughts. The weight of the secret I now carried felt unbearable, but I knew one thing for sure: I would do anything to keep Kreo safe.
Back home, Kreo and I went to bed. I couldn't sleep at all. Thoughts of the contract I had seen haunted me, and I couldn't shake the fear of Kreo's danger. As the clock passed midnight, I lay there, wide awake, staring at the wall.
Suddenly, Kreo got up and quietly left the room. He didn't notice that I wasn't asleep. My heart pounded with anxiety. Where is he going? Is he checking the documents for his crimes?