Flashback ( A week ago)

Azazel stood amidst the dense forest, his dwelling place for thousands of years. The ancient trees, towering and majestic, formed a protective canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight and casting enchanting shadows on the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of moss and earth, carrying a mystical aura that only immortals could perceive.

His home, hidden from the mortal world, stood proud and timeless. It was a sanctuary built with immortality in mind, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that represented his power and lineage. The walls were etched with stories of battles fought and victories won, a testament to his immortal existence.

As he stepped inside, the familiar surroundings invoked memories long suppressed, now resurfacing with a force that made his heart ache. The curse that had bound him to this immortal existence replayed vividly in his mind. The memory of Grimstone, the ancient sorcerer who had robbed him of his freedom, haunted him like a specter.

Azazel closed his eyes, trying to banish the tormenting thoughts of Isabella. He lay down on the ethereal bed that had witnessed countless centuries of his solitude. But no matter how hard he tried, memories of his time with Isabella flooded his mind, as vivid and fresh as if they had transpired only yesterday.

He saw the first day of their encounter, their eyes locking in a mesmerizing gaze that ignited a spark between them. The fiery arguments and passionate debates they engaged in, their hearts entwined in a dance of love and frustration. And the nights they shared, their bodies merging in a symphony of desire and longing.

He couldn't fathom how a mortal, bound by the limitations of time and mortality, could awaken such profound emotions within him. Isabella had unraveled the depths of his being, uncovering a vulnerability he had thought lost forever. Her presence had seeped into every corner of his immortal existence, leaving an indelible mark upon his soul.

Azazel clenched his fists, battling the internal conflict that raged within him. His love for Isabella was undeniable, a force that defied the boundaries of their disparate worlds. But he was burdened by the weight of his immortality, knowing that his love for her could lead to her ultimate demise, should he choose to pursue it.

As he closed his eyes, the memories and the present merged into a bittersweet symphony. Isabella's laughter echoed in his ears, the sound of it like a melodic hymn that soothed his troubled soul. The warmth of her touch lingered on his skin, igniting a fire within him that refused to be extinguished.

In the stillness of his dwelling, Azazel made a silent vow to himself. He would protect Isabella at all costs, even if it meant denying himself the joy of her love. He would be her guardian from the shadows, ensuring that no harm befell her in his presence.

But little did he know that fate had other plans in store, that the threads of their destinies were intricately woven, ready to unfold a new chapter in their lives—one that would challenge the very nature of his immortality and test the depths of their love.

As Azazel drifted into a restless sleep, the memories of Isabella intertwined with his dreams, creating a tapestry of longing and hope. The forest whispered ancient secrets, the echoes of past and future colliding in the space that separated mortal and immortal.

And so, within the depths of his dwelling, Azazel awaited the dawn of a new day, unaware of the extraordinary journey that lay ahead, where love and destiny would converge, and the boundaries of immortality would be pushed to their limits.