Gods & Mortals

Klaus' face went pale, drained of all color, as if his very soul had departed. His expression was devoid of emotion, frozen in sheer disbelief. Before him, a nightmare unfolded: a grotesque creature devouring Avalon's torso with monstrous fervor. 

Avalon's eyes, dull and distant, were fixed upward, her life slipping away. At the sound of the door, she weakly turned her head, her gaze meeting Klaus'. Their eyes locked, hers filled with agony, his with unspeakable horror. She took one final, shallow breath, but no exhale followed. Klaus could only watch, paralyzed, as the light in her eyes faded forever. 

Once the creature was vanquished, Klaus stumbled forward, every step a surreal torment. When he reached her broken body, he collapsed to his knees beside her. His trembling hands reached out, inching closer until they cradled her head with aching tenderness. 

"Avalon?" he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of desperation. "Avalon?" 

Her bloodied, mutilated form was a sight he could scarcely endure. He clenched his jaw, fighting the tears that blurred his vision. 

"Please..." he begged, his voice barely audible. "Don't leave me. Not like this." 

For a moment, Klaus' grief consumed him entirely, but then something drew his attention. Slowly, he lifted his head, his tear-streaked face paling further as his gaze landed on a familiar figure standing in the shadows ahead. It was Ghost, the last remaining member of Wallpaper. 

Ghost's eyes burned with a mix of anger and disappointment as he stared down at Klaus. "All you had to do was protect her," he said, his voice cold and accusatory. "And you failed." 

Taking deliberate steps forward, Ghost's presence felt like a crushing weight bearing down on Klaus. "It's your fault," he muttered, his tone seething with contempt. "She died because of you." 

Klaus' mind spiraled, torn between agony and disbelief. His gaze darted between Avalon's lifeless body and Ghost's piercing glare. "No..." he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "No... I didn't know." 

But then, a voice like a broken echo pierced the air. "He's right," it murmured. Klaus whipped his head around, his heart sinking as he saw Avalon's body stirring. 

Her lifeless eyes suddenly locked onto his, now alight with a twisted anger. "It's all your fault," she hissed, her voice warped and unrecognizable. 

Klaus recoiled, tears streaming down his face as he shook his head violently. "No..." he choked, his words trembling with sorrow. "Avalon, please..." 

But her glare deepened, her voice growing louder. "It's your fault!" 

"No!" Klaus screamed, jolting awake in his bed, his breath coming in ragged gasps. 

His chest heaved as he clutched his pounding heart, his body drenched in cold sweat. Reality slowly crept back in, and he realized it had been a nightmare. Running a hand over his face, Klaus let out a shaky sigh, the ache in his chest refusing to subside. 

It had been a week since his return from Higher World and the meeting with Sol. After arriving back, Klaus had succumbed to an overwhelming exhaustion, collapsing into a five-day slumber. His demigod body, resilient as it was, seemed to demand restitution for the relentless strain he'd put it through. Even after waking, his movements felt sluggish, and his appetite had been nonexistent. Simple acts like eating and drinking required immense effort, forcing him to retrain his body to accept sustenance. 

Rising from his bed, Klaus walked into the bathroom. After dressing and preparing for the day, he descended the stairs, his legs still heavy with lingering fatigue. As he reached the dining room, he saw Shade seated at the table, leisurely enjoying breakfast. 

"Morning, Klaus," Shade greeted with a small smile. 

"Morning," Klaus replied, his voice subdued as he stepped further into the room. "Where's Mom?" 

"In her room, working," Shade answered between bites. "She left your breakfast on the kitchen counter." 

Klaus let out a quiet sigh. He had told his mother the previous day not to trouble herself with preparing meals for him, knowing his weakened state would make eating difficult. Yet, he wasn't surprised that she had ignored his request. It was her way of showing she cared, and even in his weariness, Klaus found himself silently grateful.

Upon entering the kitchen, Klaus's eyes landed on a single slice of toast resting neatly on a plate atop the counter. He had known his mother would prepare something for him despite his insistence otherwise, but he appreciated her restraint in keeping it minimal. With a small sigh, Klaus picked up the plate and made his way to the dining room, where Shade was already seated, enjoying his breakfast. 

Taking a seat across from his brother, Klaus began to eat. Every bite was deliberate as Klaus worked to reacquaint his body with the act of eating. He could have forced his demigod physiology to adapt more quickly, but he preferred to let the process unfold naturally, finding some comfort in the gradual routine. 

After consuming about a quarter of the toast, Klaus decided to stop, his appetite still limited. He lingered in the dining room, chatting idly with Shade about mundane topics.

Once breakfast was over, the two moved to the living room. They sat for a few moments until Shade's phone suddenly buzzed with an incoming call. 

Shade glanced at the screen, recognizing the name as he answered. "Hey, Riley," he greeted, revealing the caller. 

For a few moments, Shade listened silently, offering brief responses as Riley spoke on the other end. Then, his gaze shifted toward Klaus. 

"Yeah, he's here," Shade said, his words pulling Klaus' attention. 

After another pause, Shade lowered the phone and held it out toward Klaus. "It's for you," he said in a quiet tone. 

Klaus blinked, momentarily confused but taking the phone regardless.

CONVERSATION

Klaus: Hello?

Riley: Hey, Klaus.

Klaus: You were looking for me?

Riley: Yeah, kinda. I heard you were finally awake, so I wanted to check up on you.

Klaus: I'm fine.

Riley: Well, I'm glad to hear that. But would you say you're revitalized enough?

Klaus pondered briefly, confused by Riley's question.

Klaus: I guess?

Riley: Great. Which leads me to my next question...

Klaus could sense Riley's smile through the phone as she spoke. "I know you've been stuck at home for a while, and I'm sure it's getting to you, especially with all the humans outside. So, I wanted to propose something."

She paused, waiting for Klaus to respond. "I'm listening," he said, prompting her to continue.

"Great," Riley said. "I was thinking maybe we could all go somewhere today. You know, clear your head a bit."

Without missing a beat, she added, "Oh, I know. How about the zoo?"

"The zoo?" Klaus repeated, uncertain.

"Yup," Riley confirmed.

Klaus hesitated. He'd never been particularly interested in animals, and her suggestion didn't spark any excitement. "I don't know about that," he eventually replied.

"Come on," Riley urged. "It'll be fun, I swear. Just a casual outing."

Her words made Klaus pause, and for a brief moment, memories of Avalon came rushing back. He fell silent, lost in thought.

Riley, noticing the lull, grew concerned. "Uh, Klaus? You there?" she asked over the phone.

After a few seconds, Klaus snapped back to reality. "Y-Yeah... sorry," he muttered. "Sure, why not."

Riley was taken aback. "Wow, I didn't think you'd agree that easily," she admitted. "But great! We'll meet at three this afternoon. I'll send you the location and details."

"Alright," Klaus replied, still processing his decision.

"Perfect," Riley said cheerfully. "See you guys then." 

She ended the call, and Klaus handed the phone back to Shade, who was watching him with a knowing smile. 

"Wow," Shade said. "Didn't think you'd accept that."

"Me neither," Klaus admitted. "Honestly, I wasn't even paying attention."

"Well," Shade replied, "it's good for you to get out and get some fresh air."

Klaus eyed his brother. "What about you? Aren't you coming?"

Shade leaned back, making himself more comfortable. "Not a chance. I'm not in the mood to deal with those journalists. Also, it's my day off after worrying about you for a month."

Grabbing the remote, Shade turned on the TV and relaxed further. "Besides," he added, "you'll be fine with Riley. She's got you covered."

Klaus felt a strange twinge at Shade's words. He thought about how much Riley seemed to care about him, even going out of her way to make sure he was okay. It wasn't something he had expected, and it caught him off guard.

Shade, noticing Klaus's silence, spoke up without looking away from the TV. "You're surprised by how much she cares, huh?"

Klaus blinked, pulled back into the moment. "I guess," he admitted softly.

"I was too," Shade said. "At first, anyway. But once I got to know her, I realized she's got a really kind heart."

Finally turning to look at Klaus, Shade continued. "After you passed out from exhaustion during the crisis, when you were sent to Higher World to recover, Riley wanted to stay by your side until you regained consciousness."

Klaus's eyes widened in disbelief, but Shade wasn't finished. "Rose and I suggested taking shifts instead. Eventually, Quinn joined in too, which is why she was there when you woke up."

Klaus sat in stunned silence, processing Shade's words. He hadn't known they had done that for him, and in his pain at the time, he hadn't even considered it.

As the afternoon unfolded, Riley sat on a secluded bench, absorbed in her phone while waiting for Klaus and Shade to arrive. A light tap on her shoulder startled her, prompting her to turn and find Klaus standing beside her. 

Klaus was dressed in a black hoodie with the hood pulled up and a face mask concealing his mouth. Riley immediately understood his choice of attire; it was a clear attempt to stay inconspicuous and avoid drawing attention to either of them. 

"Hey," Riley greeted with a smile, slipping her phone into her pocket. After a moment, she asked, "Where's Shade?" 

Klaus shrugged lightly. "Apparently, it's his 'day off,' whatever that means." 

Riley chuckled. "Well, that's fine with me. The zoo's not far from here, so let's get going." 

The two made their way to the zoo, walking side by side. They wandered through the exhibits, observing the animals in their enclosures. The zoo was relatively quiet, with only a handful of visitors, which made their exploration more relaxed. 

Klaus wasn't particularly interested in animals, he neither disliked nor loved them, but Riley's enthusiasm made the outing more engaging than he'd expected. Her smile was infectious as she rattled off fun facts about each animal they encountered. 

"You know a lot about animals, huh?" Klaus remarked as they paused near another enclosure.

"Yup," Riley replied with a grin. "I wanted to be a zoologist when I was younger. But, you know, being a demigod kind of derailed that plan." 

"I don't think being a demigod means you have to give up on your dreams," Klaus said thoughtfully. 

"I know," Riley admitted. "But for now, I think it's better to focus on mastering what I am. Maybe I'll revisit those dreams later." 

Her reasoning was sound, and Klaus didn't push the matter. As they moved to the next exhibit, Riley's eyes lit up when she spotted one of the zookeepers. 

"Hey, Tasha!" Riley called out with a wave. 

The keeper turned toward her, revealing a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties.

CONVERSATION

Tasha: Oh hey, Riles. It's been forever, hasn't it?

Riley: It really has. How've you been?

Tasha: Perfect as always. Just got a new boyfriend too about a week ago.

Riley: Really? But I liked Matthew.

Tasha: He was alright. But you know me... I get bored pretty fast.

Riley: True that.

Riley's tone softened a bit before she continued.

Riley: I heard about your cousin, by the way. The crisis really hit us all, didn't it?

Tasha: Yeah. But, you know, I have to keep pushing forward. No rest for the beautiful, after all.

Riley: *smiling* I can imagine, haha.

After a brief silence, Tasha's gaze shifted to Klaus, his concealed appearance sparking suspicion. "Who's this creep?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied him.

Riley glanced at Klaus before turning back to Tasha with a reassuring smile. "Relax," she said. "He's a friend of mine."

"Then why's he dressed like he kidnaps kids?" Tasha pressed, her suspicious stare unwavering as she leaned closer toward Klaus.

"Uh..." Riley hesitated. "He's got a cold, that's all. That's why he's covered up."

Klaus stayed silent, uninterested in engaging. However, Tasha's continued scrutiny, leaning further into his space, began to irritate him.

"Is there a problem?" Klaus finally said, his tone calm but commanding.

The effect was immediate. Tasha froze, her body trembling as if struck by an invisible force. Her knees weakened, and her gaze darted away, unable to meet Klaus's eyes. "Uh... n-no," she stammered. "It's fine."

Turning her attention back to Riley, Tasha avoided Klaus entirely. Riley, meanwhile, wore a playful smirk.

"What?" Tasha asked, frowning at Riley's expression.

"Nothing," Riley replied, though her amusement was obvious.

Shifting the conversation, Riley asked, "By the way, how's Leo?"

"He's doing okay," Tasha answered. "But he hasn't been eating much lately. Since you're here, maybe you can help."

"Sure," Riley said, her smile brightening as she followed Tasha. Turning back, she gestured to Klaus. "You too, Klaus," she insisted.

Klaus hesitated momentarily but followed after them. As they walked, Tasha leaned closer to Riley. "So... is your friend single?" she whispered.

Riley's eyes widened. "Whoa. Didn't you just get a new boyfriend?"

"Yeah, but he's already getting on my nerves," Tasha admitted with a shrug. "Besides, this feels different."

"That's a bit too fast, even for you," Riley said with a laugh. "Also, you haven't even seen his face."

"True," Tasha conceded. "But I can tell."

Riley glanced briefly back at Klaus before returning her attention to Tasha. Her expression softened. "I don't think he's in the right place mentally to think about that kind of thing."

Tasha raised an eyebrow but picked up on the subtle hint in Riley's tone. "Fine," she said with a sigh. "But keep me updated."

Riley chuckled. "Will do," she replied as they continued walking.

Though Klaus trailed behind them, he could hear every word of their conversation. Riley was aware of this as well. However, Klaus chose to ignore it, accustomed to such remarks.

After a short walk, they arrived at an enclosure. Tasha unlocked the gate and gestured for Riley to proceed, opting to stay outside.

"Come on, Klaus," Riley called, stepping into the enclosure.

Klaus hesitated, eyeing the area. The jungle-like environment, dotted with trees and tall grass, hinted at the presence of potentially dangerous animals. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.

Riley turned back, stepping closer to him with a sly grin. "Come on, Walker," she whispered. "You've fought monsters more vicious than anything on this planet. Don't tell me you're scared of some zoo animals."

With a resigned sigh, Klaus acknowledged the truth in her words. Even so, he wasn't fond of the idea of facing an animal attack, even one he could easily survive. Letting Riley take the lead, he followed her into the enclosure.

As they ventured deeper into the enclosure, Klaus heard a low growl behind him. He turned sharply, his eyes locking onto a full-grown Barbary lion. Its dark brown mane and sharp teeth were impossible to miss, and its predatory stance sent a jolt through him. The lion advanced with slow, deliberate steps, prompting Klaus to instinctively back away.

"Hey, Leo," Riley called out cheerfully, stepping past Klaus and walking directly toward the lion.

Klaus stared, baffled, as Riley approached the massive creature without hesitation. "How've you been?" she asked, her voice light and familiar. The lion's growling ceased, its aggressive posture softening.

Kneeling beside the animal, Riley reached out and began stroking its mane. The lion dropped onto its side with a deep purr, its demeanor transformed into one of complete contentment. Klaus stood frozen, struggling to reconcile the dangerous predator before him with the way Riley handled it like a house cat.

"I'm so lost right now," Klaus muttered under his breath.

Riley continued petting the lion, nodding slightly after the animal made a growl. "Yeah, I'm sorry for that," she said softly. "It's been a hectic month."

Her words left Klaus puzzled until a realization dawned on him. "Wait," he said, his tone incredulous. "Can you… understand it?"

"Him," Riley corrected. "And yeah, I can. Part of the whole 'nature' package."

"To understand animals?" Klaus echoed, still processing.

"And talk to them too," Riley added. "It's not just animals, though. Like how I understand plants, I can communicate with any living creature."

"You can understand plants?" Klaus asked, startled. He had always known about her ability to manipulate plants but didn't realize her connection extended this far.

"Yep," Riley replied with a smile. "Guess there's a lot you don't know about me." She returned her attention to the lion, continuing to respond to its low growls and gentle sounds.

Klaus stood quietly, watching Riley interact with the lion as if they shared a language. "What am I even doing here?" he wondered silently, the absurdity of the situation dawning on him.

"Klaus," Riley called suddenly, breaking his train of thought. "Come here."

He raised an eyebrow, unsure of her intent. When she stepped aside and gestured toward the lion, her smile widened. "Come on, try petting him."

"You want me to pet a live, full-grown lion?" Klaus asked, skepticism thick in his voice.

"Pretty much, yeah," Riley said casually, her smile unwavering.

"Your smile isn't making this any less dangerous," he pointed out.

"I know," she admitted with a grin. "But don't worry, he'll be good. Right, Leo?" She looked at the lion with a playful tone.

The lion growled softly in what seemed like agreement. "See?" Riley said. "He's a good boy. I trust him."

Klaus sighed in frustration. Logically, he knew he had faced far worse threats, but the idea of willingly walking up to a predator still felt unnatural. Reluctantly, he stepped forward.

"This looks way easier in movies," Klaus muttered to himself, cautiously closing the distance. The lion's amber eyes stayed locked on him, its head still and upright.

Klaus extended a hand, hesitating briefly before letting his palm touch the lion's thick mane. He moved slowly, stroking the creature's fur with care. The lion remained calm, showing no signs of aggression.

"See?" Riley teased with a cheeky tone.

Suddenly, the lion let out a loud, thunderous roar. Klaus flinched, instinctively dropping into a defensive stance. For a moment, the air was thick with tension, until Riley burst into laughter, almost like she was aware this would happen.

"Don't worry, he was just joking," Riley managed between giggles. "He wasn't going to hurt you."

Klaus exhaled sharply, lowering his guard. "I was more concerned about me hurting it," he said dryly.

"Him," Riley corrected again. "And fair point."

After spending a bit more time with the lion, Riley stood and bid it farewell. As they left the enclosure, Klaus couldn't stop his curiosity from bubbling over. He asked Riley about her powers, and she eagerly answered, walking him through her unique connection to the natural world.

CONVERSATION

Klaus: So your powers... How exactly can you communicate with animals?

Riley: I can't really explain it. It's almost like a feeling. Like I'm communicating not with sounds and vibrations, but rather with the creature's life energy. That's why it works with plants too.

Klaus: So with that logic, you can communicate with other humans who don't speak English too?

Riley: Yup. Just like with Leo, I just speak English or German and the person can understand me, even if they don't understand the language. And vice versa with me comprehending too.

Klaus was caught off guard by Riley's statement.

Klaus: Hold on, why would you speak German?

Riley: I mean... I am part German, after all.

Klaus: Wait, what?

Riley: Isn't it kinda obvious? Don't you hear the accent?

Klaus raised an eyebrow at Riley's claim.

Klaus: You don't have one.

Riley: Fine, I don't. But I could've had one.

Klaus: But you don't.

Riley: Damn it, you're right. I just need to change my "th's" to "z's" more.

Klaus found himself quietly impressed. He hadn't realized just how layered Riley's abilities and personality were. Reflecting back, he recognized that he didn't know much about her at all. Her life, her hobbies, or the smaller details that made her who she was. But the more he learned, the more he admired her.

After spending a few more hours wandering the zoo, they eventually settled on a bench in a quiet corner. They talked casually, the hum of distant visitors and the occasional animal calls creating a backdrop. But mid-conversation, Klaus's expression shifted subtly, a softer, faraway look crossing his face as a thought resurfaced in his mind.

"I think I'll have to call it a day here," Klaus said, his voice unusually subdued.

Riley, not catching his tone at first, waved him off playfully. "Come on, we haven't even checked out the crocodile enclosure yet!" she exclaimed. "And there's still plenty of time before..."

She paused, her teasing faltering as she caught the grave look on Klaus's face. His gaze was fixed somewhere ahead, unmoving, and his silence weighed heavy between them. Riley's cheerful demeanor dimmed, her smile fading as she realized there was something more pressing on his mind.

"You have somewhere you need to be, don't you?" she asked softly.

Klaus turned to her, his quiet nod confirming her suspicion.

"That's fine," Riley said, her tone understanding. "Go take care of what you need to. I'll be fine on my own, don't worry."

Klaus stood slowly as he prepared to leave. For a moment, he hesitated, glancing back at Riley. His posture softened slightly as he spoke.

"I had a lot of fun today," he admitted, his voice low but genuine. "And… thank you. For everything. I know we barely knew each other, but you've helped me more than I probably deserve."

Riley's smile returned, gentle and reassuring. "Oh, don't worry about it," she replied. "As long as you're doing okay, that's all that matters to me."

Klaus lingered for a second longer, then allowed himself a faint smile in return; the first he'd shown since the monster crisis. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was nearby, he finally bid her goodbye. In an instant, he disappeared, his Burst Speed leaving Riley alone on the bench.

A quiet moment passed as Riley stared at the now-empty spot where Klaus had stood. She leaned back, a small grin tugging at her lips. "Gods, that is so cool," she murmured to herself, still marveling at his ability.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, Klaus arrived at the steps of a modest house. He climbed them slowly, each step feeling heavier than the last. At the door, he paused, staring at it with a mixture of determination and dread. Finally, he pressed the doorbell, his heart pounding faintly in his chest.

A muffled voice called out from inside. "Just a moment," a woman said.

Moments later, the door unlocked and swung open, revealing a woman. She was wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, her eyes moving up to meet Klaus's face.

"Sorry, I was in the kit..."

Suddenly, her pleasant expression froze, her smile fading as recognition dawned. The woman was Avalon's mother, and Klaus had made his way to the Smith residence.

"You!" she gasped, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes.

Klaus stood still, his posture neutral but his eyes filled with unspoken remorse. He didn't react as the woman's tears began to spill, nor as her sorrow quickly gave way to anger. Without warning, Avalon's mother raised her right hand and struck him hard across the face.

The sharp slap echoed in the quiet doorway. Klaus's head turned with the impact, but he didn't react otherwise. Slowly, he straightened again, meeting her gaze with the same sorrowful silence, aware of the pain she was potentially feeling after seeing his face again.

"You have some nerve," she hissed, her voice breaking. "How dare you show your face here after what you did?"

Her hands trembled as she fought back sobs, but her anger burned brighter. Once again, she struck him, the second slap just as fierce.

"All you had to do was protect her!" she cried, her voice cracking under the weight of her grief. "But now she's gone. She's dead because of you. Because of you!"

Avalon's mother's voice cracked and trembled with fury, her grief pouring out in raw, erratic bursts. She stepped closer to Klaus, her fists clenched tightly, and began pounding against his chest, each strike a physical manifestation of her anguish. Tears streamed freely down her face as her cries echoed in the stillness.

"It's all your fault!" she sobbed, her voice shaking with rage. "I hate you! I hate you!"

Her cries grew louder, the weight of her words heavy in the air. The commotion drew Avalon's father rushing down the stairs. He skidded to a halt at the sight of his wife, her fists raining down on Klaus's unmoving form. "Honey," he called out, his tone filled with concern, "Honey, stop. Please, calm down."

Gently, Avalon's father wrapped his arms around her, pulling her away from Klaus. She struggled for a moment, her cries unrelenting, but his firm embrace eventually steadied her trembling form. "It's okay, my love," he murmured softly. "It's okay."

Even as she calmed slightly, tears continued to spill from her red, sorrowful eyes. She turned her gaze back to Klaus, her expression etched with bitterness and despair. "She wasn't even supposed to be here," she said, her voice quieter but no less venomous. "She had her acceptance letter. She was supposed to be at her dream college weeks before. But she stayed back, all because of you."

Klaus stood in silence, his face a mask of sorrow. Her words cut deep, yet he didn't flinch or argue. He bore the weight of her grief willingly, knowing he deserved it.

"My daughter is dead because of you," Avalon's mother spat. "And I don't care what kind of divine being you are. I will NEVER forgive you."

Avalon's father's shoulders slumped, the sadness in his eyes deepening as he listened to his wife's words. He gently guided her toward the doorway, his hands steady on her trembling arms. "Come inside, honey," he urged quietly. "Let's go back inside."

As they moved toward the house, Avalon's mother cast one final, scornful glance at Klaus. "I never want to see you here again," she said coldly before disappearing into the house with her husband.

The door clicked shut, leaving Klaus standing alone in silence. Her words had struck him like a blade, each one cutting deeper than the last. Yet he remained still, accepting her wrath as the penance he'd long known he owed.

The revelation weighed heavily on him. He hadn't known Avalon had stayed behind for his sake. It explained so much, the fleeting moments of distraction, her mother's disdain, the sacrifices she'd made without telling him. She had chosen him over her future, a decision that filled Klaus with equal parts of sorrow and guilt.

He stayed rooted to the spot, his heart heavy with the burden of the past. But just as he was about to turn and leave, the door creaked open again. Avalon's father stepped out, his expression weary but less hostile. He regarded Klaus for a long moment before a faint, bittersweet smile crossed his face.

"She'll be fine," Avalon's father said, gesturing over his shoulder toward the house. "Come with me. Let's talk in the backyard."

Klaus hesitated but eventually nodded, following the man around the house. They reached the backyard, a quiet space bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Avalon's father sat on a weathered bench, motioning for Klaus to join him. They sat in silence for a while, the rustle of leaves and distant chirps of birds the only sounds between them.

"You don't have to blame yourself," Avalon's father finally said, his voice gentle. "I don't hold any resentment toward you. Because I know… I know you must have done everything you could to save her."

Klaus kept his gaze fixed on the ground, his fists clenched tightly in his lap. Shame hung over him like a storm cloud, and he couldn't bring himself to look the man in the eye.

"The monsters took us all by surprise," Avalon's father continued, his voice tinged with melancholy. "I remember we were on a trip at the time. We barely made it to safety ourselves."

Avalon's father paused, his gaze drifting toward the garden ahead. "Did she know?" he asked, his tone curious. "About you being a..."

Klaus shook his head silently. The answer seemed to surprise Avalon's father, but it also brought a flicker of understanding to his face.

"I know how much Avalon loved you," he said, keeping his head forward and glancing upon the garden. "She was trying to get a job so she could stay back. Because she wanted to be with you. And if she didn't know about you, then it means she must have truly loved you."

Klaus felt his chest tighten, his breath hitching as the emotions he'd been holding back threatened to overflow. Tears welled in his eyes, and this time, he couldn't stop them from falling.

"I loved her," Klaus said at last, his voice breaking. The tears streamed down his face, and he didn't bother to wipe them away. "I loved her more than anything. I couldn't imagine a world without her. I still can't."

Avalon's father's own eyes glistened with unshed tears as he placed a comforting hand on Klaus's shoulder. "I know," he said quietly, his voice heavy with shared grief.

Klaus' tears streamed freely, unchecked and unrelenting; a vulnerability he had seldom shown in his life. "I miss her so much," he whispered, the pain raw and unguarded in his cry.

Avalon's father, his own composure faltering, nodded through his grief. "Me too," he replied, his voice thick with emotion as tears spilled from his eyes as well.

Together, they sat in heavy silence, mourning the loss of Avalon as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, its fading light casting long shadows across the garden.