Page 92 of Hollow

“Not like her. She knew all the old legends. The trees trusted her so much, they would even walk with her through the forest. I am not at that level. Not yet, at least. One day, I hope to learn as much as she did.”

Jack smiled at Dimitri, a look of absolute support.

Talking about his siblings helped keep a piece of them alive, and it helped free Dimitri from a layer of the guilt he carried over their deaths. He would always harbor some guilt, some regret, for not being strong enough to protect them, smart enough, skilled enough, but he didn’t hate himself anymore.

It warmed Dimitri’s heart to share this part of himself with Jack. It bonded them.

“I love you, Jack.”

“I love you more, Dimitri.”

“Not possible.”

“Oh, is that a challenge?”

Dimitri stopped in his tracks and turned to face Jack, standing taller and allowing his antlers to swell until they twisted in gnarling shaped curves that loomed over Jack.

“Maybe it is, little pumpkin man.”

“All right, all right.” Jack cracked his neck, then started stretching his limbs. “You want to have a love off? Let’s go. I will kick your ass…with love.”

Dimitri laughed at that, and Jack grinned. What came next, Dimitri did not know. They would likely banter more, then they would fight and probably fuck and fall more madly in love along the way.

EPILOGUE

Two Years Later

Astaroth had remained on his pilgrimage of capitalism or whatever, but he checked in on the rare occasion. He even recently sent tickets with a message to an upcoming convention in New York.

I thought you’d enjoy this. It is an entire event where mortals dress up in absurd attire to prove who among them is the most tragic.

Was that damn demon dog making fun of the fact that Jack cosplayed in his daily life? Whatever, Jack easily overlooked it when he saw the Premium Gold VIP tickets included. Despite the rude note, it was the perfect excuse to drag Dimitri into the city. Though Jack quickly learned why Leshy stuck to the wilderness.

“Don’t worry. Aside from the convention, we’re going to be staying holed up in the hotel until our drive home.”

“Why must we drive?” Dimitri groaned, his face still appearing a bit nauseous from the car. “Just portal us back to the chateau.”

“No. Road trips are a bonding experience.”

“They are an annoying experience.” Dimitri sighed. “Roads are evil.”

“Aren’t those trails you love basically just walking roads?”

“They are nature’s roads!”

Jack laughed.

The only reason Jack didn’t decide to pack up and drive back immediately after the convention was he still wanted to enjoy some of the food the city had to offer. They could just order it directly to their room instead of going out, which honestly would make everything a little simpler.

“Why are we wearing this?” Dimitri asked, yanking at the frilly edges of his green top. “Must we be so dressed the entire time?”

It was an open vest exposing Dimitri’s chest and stomach.

“Stop, you’ll mess up the leaves.” Jack swatted Dimitri’s hands.

“These are not leaves,” Dimitri huffed. “They are plastic deceivers. They hold no imagination or desire. They are like the mannequins. Phony.”

“Yeah, well, they look pretty, so don’t mess up my hard work.”