"Why do you always keep me in the dark about things?"
Luciver took a slow step forward.
"You would think when things happen in your life, your father should be the first person you would run to."
"I'm sorry." Damien's voice cracked slightly. There were so many things wrapped in those two words. He was sorry for acting alone. For dragging Luna into the storm. For not trusting the man who had trained him to rule.
Luciver turned toward Luna then, and the sharpness in his features melted just enough to reveal the affection he had learned to carry for her. She was the mother of the heir, the queen of Blood City, and someone who had quietly earned his respect.
"How are you?"
Luna gave a tired but composed smile.
"I'm fine, considering everything going on the past days."
Luciver nodded solemnly. Then, after a moment of silence that crackled with unspoken history, he turned to Damien and said:
"You know this is your uncle's work, right?"
Luna's spine straightened subtly.
