Chapter 47

Belphie's scream tore through the silence, reverberating like a haunting wail through the halls of the House of Lamentation. Kagome knelt before him, her breath shallow but steady, watching as he clawed at his head, trapped between the truth and the rage. She wanted to reach out to him, but she knew he'd reject her touch, knew he wasn't ready to face the pain clawing through him.

Footsteps thundered up the stairs, and Lucifer burst into the attic, followed closely by Diavolo, Mammon, and the others. They stopped short, eyes widening at the scene before them: Kagome, bruised and battered, and Belphegor on his knees, gripping his head in agony. The tension in the room grew thick, and Lucifer's gaze flickered between Kagome and his younger brother, his expression a mask of horror.

"Kagome, what happened?" Lucifer demanded, his voice tight with controlled fury.

Kagome met his gaze, her voice soft but steady. "He needed to be freed, Lucifer. He needed to understand… about Lilith."

Diavolo's expression shifted from shock to realization, a look of compassion softening his features as he stepped forward. "You remembered, didn't you, Belphegor?"

Belphegor's voice, raw and ragged, broke the silence. "I—I didn't want to… remember… anything." His violet eyes darted to Kagome, the fury still simmering beneath the surface but tempered now by something darker, deeper. "Why did you say her name?" he whispered, his voice breaking. "Why did you… have to bring her up?"

Kagome's gaze softened, sadness etched into her expression. "Because the truth needed to come to light, Belphie. I'm not the enemy, and neither is humanity. I didn't want to take her from you." Her hand trembled as she reached out, and though he flinched, he didn't pull away. "But I can't change the past… and I can't take away your pain. I can only carry it with you."

A heavy silence fell as Belphegor looked down at her, processing her words. The hatred that had once burned so fiercely in his gaze was flickering, as if struggling to find its place in the torrent of memories. He searched her face, looking for the lies he was sure must be there, but he found only sorrow, only a willing acceptance of whatever punishment he chose to give her.

His voice was barely more than a whisper. "I killed you…"

Diavolo's gaze snapped toward Kagome, his expression filled with alarm. "Kagome, is this true?"

Kagome nodded, brushing her fingers over her still-healing throat. "Yes… and no. It's hard to explain, but… I survived." Her voice wavered, but she forced herself to continue. "And I'd do it again if it meant Belphie would have the chance to heal."

Belphegor's anger faded as he looked at her, truly seeing her for the first time, memories flooding in all at once. He saw flashes of Kagome laughing, teasing, her kindness unyielding even when he scorned her. The images blurred and settled, merging with memories of his own sister, her laughter echoing in his mind. His body trembled, and he finally crumpled to his knees, the weight of it all crashing over him.

Lucifer watched, his usually stoic face twisted with emotion. He stepped forward, kneeling beside his brother, placing a hand on Belphegor's shoulder. "She chose to help you, Belphegor. She understood your pain. It's time to let go of the past, for her sake, and for Lilith's."

Slowly, Belphegor looked up, the torment in his eyes replaced by a broken kind of gratitude. He looked at Kagome, his voice barely audible. "Thank you... and I'm sorry." His words were raw, an apology for not only what he'd done to her but for all the years he'd held onto his hate.

Kagome gave him a gentle smile, the warmth in her eyes unwavering. "We're okay, Belphie," she whispered, finally letting her fingers rest on his shoulder. "And you're not alone anymore."

Diavolo sighed, his voice a mix of relief and respect. "You've done a great thing, Kagome. You helped heal a wound that has festered far too long."

She felt the weight of his praise, but her exhaustion settled over her, and she swayed slightly as the toll of her healing and sacrifice began to catch up with her. Lucifer noticed immediately, steadying her before she could fall. "You need rest," he said firmly, his tone softening. "We'll make sure Belphegor's freedom is handled with care."

As they helped her to her feet, Belphegor looked up once more, violet eyes filled with a quiet, newfound respect. "Kagome… Lilith, she loved you."

Kagome's gaze softened, a mixture of joy and sadness. "I know she did, Belphie. I feel it… her kindness, her love." She reached up, fingers gently resting on her heart. "And I promise, I'll keep it alive here, for both of us."

Belphegor nodded, finally letting go of the hatred he'd held so close. The healing had begun, and as they left the attic together, a new chapter of understanding and redemption opened for them all.