Darien squares his shoulders, sets his jaw, and walks toward the dining room.
The scent of roasted meat and honey is dancing in the air. He can hear his father's laugh rumbling from within the sound of a man who believes himself unbreakable.
And somewhere in his chest, Darien feels something stir. It's not exactly fear, but the anticipation of a storm that's coming whether he's ready or not.
He breathes out slowly. "Alright," he murmurs under his breath. "Let's start the day."
Kairos's voice is clear. "And may the Moon have mercy on us all."
Darien smirks faintly and pushes the door open. "Here goes nothing…"
Warm light from the chandeliers pools over the long table, glinting off polished silverware and gold-rimmed plates. It's a picture of elegance and power and the kind of domestic theater the Bellamy family has perfected.
