Night fell quietly. The sky above Alaska's beach house was filled with stars a rare sight in a city usually smothered by smoke and neon lights.
Beneath the dim glow of candlelight, Alana sat on the back terrace, letting her bare feet sink into the cold sand.
The gentle sound of waves lapped against the shore.
In her hand, a glass of red wine trembled slightly as Alaska came from behind and sat beside her.
"You're not sleeping again?"
His voice was soft, hoarse, but warm.
"No," Alana replied with a small smile.
"I'm just… afraid this is all a dream."
Alaska stared at the dark sea before turning his gaze to her.
His eyes, usually cold and distant, now seemed softer, almost human.
"If it's a dream, I don't want to wake up."
A moment of silence passed.
Alana studied his face the man once known for cruelty and cold blooded precision now appeared almost fragile.
"You know, Alaska," she said softly,
"I used to think guys like you didn't have a heart. But every time you touch me, it feels like the world pauses for a moment."
Alaska chuckled quietly, a low, rumbling sound that cut through the night air.
"You scare me, Alana."
"Scare you how?"
"Afraid of losing control. Afraid one day you'll realize the one you love… is just a monster."
Alana leaned closer, gazing into his eyes deeply.
"I knew from the start you weren't an angel. But I also know… even monsters can change if given a reason to keep living."
Alaska brushed her cheek gently.
"And that reason… is me?"
"You already know the answer."
They stayed silent, staring at each other long, deep, without needing words.
Alaska bent forward slowly, the space between them shrinking until it almost disappeared.
All that remained were heartbeats, the whisper of the sea breeze, and their mingling breaths.
"If someday I fall back into darkness…" Alaska whispered,
"Pull me back, will you?"
"I promise," Alana murmured.
"As long as I'm still breathing, I'll always pull you back."
Alaska pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, as if the world outside could vanish at any moment.
Under the starlit sky, two damaged souls made a vow not for power, not for revenge, but for each other.
The next morning arrived with soft sunlight.
Alana still slept in Alaska's arms, her face calm and serene.
He watched her for a long moment, then offered a faint, tender smile.
From his pocket, he pulled out a small ring not gold, not diamond, but black metal etched with the tiny Direndra symbol.
"I've never promised anyone anything before," he whispered.
"But for you… I'm willing to learn."
He slipped the ring onto Alana's delicate ring finger without waking her.
Far across the city, a black car idled in front of the old Direndra Corp building.
Inside, a man with a crow shaped tattoo on his forearm smiled coldly, staring at a photo of Alaska and Alana.
"Finally found the young Direndra and his girl," he muttered quietly.
"The time to settle all old debts is near."
And unbeknownst to Alaska, that serene night…
was only the calm before a new storm.
By noon, the beach was bathed in a pale gray light.
Alaska sat outside, legs dangling over the balcony, watching the tide sweep the sand.
Alana leaned against his side, still half-asleep, hair damp from the morning breeze.
"You ever think about the life we could've had?" she asked quietly.
Alaska shook his head.
"Life? We've never had normal life. All I've ever known is blood, fire, and battles. But… with you, it feels like I could finally breathe."
Alana tilted her head, resting her cheek against his shoulder.
"I don't need castles or riches," she said softly.
"I just… want this. Want you."
Alaska's lips curved into a faint smile, one that carried both tenderness and vulnerability.
"You make me human, Alana. Even with everything I've done, every war I've fought… you make it worth living."
She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of him, the strength behind the calm voice that had once commanded fear.
"And you," she whispered, "you're not a monster. Not to me."
Alaska held her tighter, letting her words sink deep into him. For the first time in years, he felt safe not in his power, not in his violence, but in the simple act of being near someone who truly saw him.
Evening fell, painting the horizon in shades of amber and violet.
They sat silently, wrapped in each other's arms, letting the waves and the wind carry away the shadows of the past.
For a few precious hours, there were no enemies, no betrayals, no danger just two hearts, scarred but alive, learning to heal together.
But somewhere in the distant city, the wheels of fate had already begun to turn.
The storm was coming.
And the serenity of Alaska and Alana's night was only temporary.