They weren't staged, at least not in the traditional sense. No overexposed filters, no forced poses, or signature backdrops. Just Elias and Victor standing in the soft light of the Numen manor's east sunroom. Elias in charcoal gray with gold accents. Victor in bloodred and black, like he'd been born under a thunderstorm and handed a throne as consolation.
The photo Laziel approved for release showed Elias seated and unsmiling, one hand resting lightly on the edge of the chair, the other braced against the curve of his stomach. Victor stood behind him, a step to the side, fingers just brushing Elias's shoulder in his protective aura.
The caption was simple:
The Future, As Promised.
The media reaction came in waves.
At first, silence… then speculation. Then there's commentary dressed as analysis and analysis dressed as praise.
Some headlines were clinical, careful not to offend:
Clarke and Numen: Merger or Marriage?
Others were less restrained:
