The Devilish Empanada Affair

19. Echoes of Revelation (part one)

Lucas POV

Lucas chuckled softly, reflecting on how long it had taken him to confront his lingering feelings for Kyle. Kyle's playful teasing after that strange dream had been the first clue Lucas dared to acknowledge about their more profound connection. Ironically, this realization came after meeting Teufel at Empanadas Mariana; the contrast between Teufel's menacing presence and Kyle's genuine nature only made Lucas appreciate Kyle even more. Deciding to open the store together had been Lucas's way of understanding Kyle better.

"Oh boy, I learned a lot about Kyle," he mused, his thoughts drifting to their shared moments.

The necklace Kyle had given him, engraved with "Eternity," lingered in Lucas's mind. Why would Kyle provide him with something so precious if not out of love? He wondered how he could interpret this gesture.

"It is because I am the witch's grandson," Lucas whispered. He had always known it but had hidden the truth, even from himself. His grandmother's legacy had been shattered, leaving only her wisdom and his intuition as a remnant. Though not always reliable, his intuition had once predicted his future with Jacob, yet it had failed to warn him of Jacob's betrayal or Kyle's past—or had it? When they met, he sensed Kyle's soul was as ancient as the sea.

Had Kyle known about Lucas's bloodline, just as he seemed to understand Lucas's sexuality? Was Kyle manipulating him all along? No, that couldn't be. The desire in Kyle's voice when he gave the necklace had been palpable, not a mere ploy but a raw, intoxicating need. Kyle wanted to break down the walls Lucas had built to be with him.

The room where Lucas was held was stark and oppressive. The faded white walls, cold gray tiles, and a fluorescent bulb's harsh, flickering light starkly contrasted the dark memories it seemed to hold. The oppressive silence was occasionally broken by distant shuffling footsteps and urgent voices from the hallway, amplifying his sense of claustrophobic dread.

His body ached, but the pain in his heart was overwhelming. Teufel had left him alone, but the echoes of his words lingered, whispering doubt and fear into the oppressive silence.

Lucas had known about doubt and emotional manipulation. His ex-husband, Jacob, had used such tactics not to damage him but to appear as a bigger man than he was, unable to handle Lucas's imperfections. Instead of dealing with their relationship, Jacob sought solace with others, leaving Lucas alone. When Jacob betrayed him, Lucas walked away, thinking it was too complicated. Their intense relationship had been a whirlwind of passion that left him broken. The betrayal seemed like a closed chapter, but its lessons now whispered in his mind.

"Love doesn't have to be a battle," Lucas whispered.

He had sought refuge with Kyle in their cozy apartment in Arguelles, but their world had been shattered hours ago. Kyle's revelation, standing next to a pentagram with wings unfurled, was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The worst part was that when Kyle left the apartment, Lucas wanted to follow him; their connection was too profound to be severed.

Kyle and Jacob had secrets, but Kyle was trying to protect him, not only himself. When Lucas lashed out at him, Kyle let him vent, repeatedly apologizing and asking for forgiveness. When Kyle left, he was driven to give Lucas space to reflect and decide. Jacob, on the other hand, had let him go to face the world alone. What was his intention?

Lucas shuddered, realizing Jacob intended to make him bend to his will, forcing him to accept Jacob's other lovers. In contrast, Kyle tried to empower Lucas by giving him the power to decide.

When the bell rang, Lucas opened the door, hoping to see Kyle. Instead, he was met by Teufel's menacing figure. The contrast between the comforting presence he yearned for and Teufel's threatening demeanor highlighted his despair.