[Infinity's End] The Break of Day 01-13
Sep. 30th, 2011 12:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
n_wilkinsona/n: Another chapter for your reading pleasure! Today we get to see a character only briefly mentioned in passing.
Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
September 9th, 1979
He found Azriel exactly where Miss Neorah said he would be: sitting at the roots of a massive birch in one of Grayshire's isolated and oft abandoned parks. They were little splashes of color and life in the middle of a bustling city. Sometimes, Grayshire seemed so removed from the forests of Talemar, disjointed and unconnected to the bustling nature beyond its borders.
“Hello, stranger,” Kieran said by way of announcing himself, dropping down next to Azriel.
The brunet gave him a smile before returning to his book. He slowly turned a page and sighed.
“Mother is such a traitor.”
Kieran leaned against him. “Are you saying you didn't want to be found by me?”
There was a moment of silence before Azriel marked his place and closed his book. Kieran snuck a glance at the cover. Bah, history. He should’ve known.
“On the contrary,” Azriel said, folding his hands in his lap. “I half-expected it. How was your first day back?”
Kieran huffed. “Boring. Uneventful. Everyone says hello by the way.”
And he meant everyone, too. Even Yonah had gotten off her high horse long enough to say things were a tad bit different without Azriel there.
“You can pass on my greeting in return,” his friend replied, unfolding his legs and stretching them out in front of him. “I don’t envy you. That is one experience I don’t care to repeat.”
“You can't have hated all of it.” Kieran's lower lip jutted out as he prodded Azriel in the side with his finger.
A small chuckle escaped the brunet's lips. “You’re right. My final year held many pleasant... surprises.”
“Thought so,” Kieran replied, smug, and he nudged Azriel with his shoulder. “Other than reading, did you have anything else planned today?”
“Do I ever?” Azriel quirked a brow.
Kieran laughed. “Not unless I have something to do with it.” He clapped Azriel on his thigh then bounded to his feet. “Come with me then. I've got something I want to show you.”
Azriel took his time in rising, brushing fallen leaves from his clothes and gathering his belongings. “What is it?”
“A surprise,” his friend said with a mischievous grin. “It's also something long overdue.”
Azriel eyed him. “Why do I feel as if I should be wary?”
Latching onto Azriel's left arm, Kieran rolled his eyes. “Have I ever steered you wrong?” he asked as he tugged Azriel toward the path and in the direction they needed to go.
“I can think of a few occasions, most of them involving alcohol.” He paused. “And a prank that didn't end well.”
“Do they ever?” Kieran retorted rhetorically. “Besides, that only happened once.”
“Three times,” Azriel corrected.
Kieran waved his free hand dismissively. “Eh. Who's counting?” He looked up at his best friend using his most pleading, wide-eyed expression. “I promise this has nothing to do with pranks.”
Azriel gave the sigh of a man already resigned to his fate. He was such a stuffy shirt sometimes.
“Lead the way. Or drag me, whichever you prefer.”
Sometimes, Azriel's rare humor chose to appear though. Kieran treasured every one of those moments.
Without bothering to hide his grin of success, Kieran successfully steered Azriel out of the park and into the main streets of Grayshire. He completely ignored the handful of glares they still managed to get as they walked together in public.
“If I let you go, you might disappear on me again,” Kieran replied and glanced sidelong at his companion. “Like you did all summer. Spending time with Souya and Lyra is nice and all, but they're not you.”
Azriel twitched. The action was imperceptible except to someone like Kieran, who spent a lot of his time watching Azriel for all of the subtleties.
“Kieran...”
“I know. You were working,” he conceded, lightening his hold as they approached a more populated section of Grayshire. Azriel was far more reserved than he. “How's that going by the way?”
“Not quite like I expected,” Azriel answered with a sigh. “My coworker is friendly and intelligent, but the work is... tedious. Luckily, I only have to endure it until January.”
Genuinely interested – and in need of distracting Azriel as well – he asked, “What sort of work?”
“The kind that would bore you to tears,” Azriel replied teasingly, amusement alit in his eyes. “It's...” He paused and glanced around pointedly, only to look at Kieran. “Why are we heading toward Stonewall?”
Damn. He'd hoped they'd get a bit closer before Azriel noticed. Caught, Kieran resolved himself to telling the truth. At least in part.
“I want to introduce you to my mom,” he said, putting on his best pleading expression once again. “And I really do have a surprise. Honest!”
Azriel paused in the middle of the walkway. There was a storm of indecision in his eyes.
“It would make you happy then?” the brunet asked quietly. “If I met your mother?”
Kieran nodded. “I got to meet Miss Neorah, and she's wonderful. I want you to meet my mom so she can see how awesome you are, too.”
Azriel's ears turned pink before he drew in a careful breath. “Very well,” he conceded. “Since you asked, I will go along with it.”
Joy bubbled up within Kieran, but he kept himself from dancing in the streets. Somehow.
“Don't think I don't know what you're enduring for this,” Kieran said in all seriousness. He snagged Azirel's arm again. “But first... the surprise.”
Azriel came along without further fuss. But he couldn't hide the tension in his frame or the tightness of his aether as it clung to him like a strong but flexible shield. Kieran babbled to fill the silence, hoping to ease Azriel's discomfort.
“Souya and Lyra are still staring lovey dovey at each other, and Yonah's still obnoxious. Harper's going through a rebellious stage; she colored her hair. I bet her parents were furious...”
Azriel listened but didn't say much. Not even when they entered Stonewall, home of the elite of the elite. With towering mansions, sweeping estates, fences to keep out the unwanted, and elaborate gates to let in the desired. Here, each tree was planted with purpose. Each flower meticulously chosen. Each piece of hewn stone laid with a grand scheme in mind.
For all its beauty, it was cold and heartless. Confining. A gilded cage.
Kieran preferred Azriel's modest house. It was warm and inviting, colorful and random. It breathed individuality. It was a home.
Kieran's house – Azura Estate – would never belong to him. It belonged to the Azura; it would always belong to the Azura. It was owned by a name. It could never be Kieran's.
They arrived quickly enough, mostly due to Azriel’s purposeful and straight-backed stride. But Kieran didn't lead them to the front entrance with its huge, double doors and curved staircases. Instead, he followed a more sedate path to the side, circling around the perimeter of the huge manse. It vanished into a thick copse of cedar trees, so thick it concealed the half-dozen buildings hidden within. Partially underground, these six were the private laboratories of the Azura. At present, two of them were empty. The rest belonged to Marduk, Kieran, and Kieran's older cousin, Rielle.
“Where are we?” Azriel questioned, posture relaxing minutely when he realized that no one else was around.
Kieran grinned, both arms sweeping out in a huge gesture. “You, my friend, are looking at the personal labs of the Azura.” He pointed down the concealed row. “The third one is mine.”
“Just yours?”
“Yep!” Beaming with pride, Kieran led Azriel toward his lab, neatly surrounded by his favorite – maple trees, already turning red and gold with oncoming fall. “I earned it when I proved I had at least a basic understanding of math and magical theory.”
“How did you prove such a thing?” the brunet questioned with narrowed eyes but allowed himself to be pulled along.
Kieran shrugged. “Lots and lots of testing, especially of my father's patience.”
For the second time today, he managed to get a smile out of Azriel. Kieran considered that a rousing success.
He gave Azriel’s arm a squeeze before reaching for the door, flaring his aether as he touched the knob. A tingle raced across his fingertips before it was gone – recognizing him.
“I'm the only one who can open the door,” Kieran explained as he turned the knob, pushed it open, and gestured for Azriel to precede him. “It's sort of an Azura thing. Our labs are private and personal. No one else can visit unless we let them.”
“Ah,” Azriel commented noncommittally, stepping ahead of Kieran. “And how many have you invited into your inner sanctum?”
Kieran closed the door, feeling the thrum of magic snap into place as his shields activated once more. They were rudimentary, to be fair, but no Azura would dare intrude anyway. It was the ultimate insult amongst scientists.
“My mama's been in here,” Kieran said and thumbed his chin, considering. Gwydion, too, of course. But he couldn't tell Azriel about her just yet. “But otherwise…”
He just shrugged and let the silence lie for him. Still, he'd have invited Souya, Kieran supposed, but he didn't think his friend would be interested.
Azriel paused, tilting his head to look back at Kieran. Something flickered across his face but was quickly lost.
“I'm honored.”
“It's only fair,” Kieran explained, moving down the narrow hallway as Azriel followed him. “You showed me one of your secrets. You trusted me. I wanted to show you that I trust you, too.”
It was a bit embarrassing to admit aloud, but it was the truth.
A moment of silence followed his admission. Azriel, perhaps, unable to find the right words to say and Kieran marinating in his own embarrassment. Luckily, the corridor was a short one, leading to another door that was thicker and heavier than the first one but unlocked.
They stepped into the main room, and Kieran flung his arms out wide, chasing away the awkwardness of the previous moment.
“I give you the mystical realm of Kieran Azura. Home to all of my brilliance. Behold”
Azriel's lips twitched as he looked around, taking in every detail. “It's very... you.”
Kieran grinned, planting his hands on his hips. Azriel was right, of course. His lab – and himself – were the perfect example of organized chaos. Instead of opting for several floors like some of his fellows, Kieran had opened for one main room, the ceiling stretching high above him. Walkways were built into the walls, broad enough for a path and for tables or easels in random intervals, giving the illusion of further levels, but standing in the middle of his lab, Kieran could look straight up and out his skylight if he so wished. Also, the highest catwalk had a telescope positioned at the only window that would open.
It was also the window that Gwydion used to come and go, but Kieran had already warned her that he planned to bring Azriel by. She would not be putting in an appearance today. At most, she might perch outside and pretend to be the owl she mimicked if only to catch a glimpse of the man her human spoke of so often. She was such a curious little creature and unable to completely resist temptation. Just like Kieran himself.
The teenager just grinned at that thought and turned back to his friend. Watching Azriel take it all in.
The windows and the sunlight they let in brightened the room considerably, but they also were carefully shielded so that no prying eyes could peer at the many works in progress. Designs and schematics decorated the walls, tacked and glued and taped into place in a helter-skelter sort of arrangement only Kieran could make sense of. The floor was poured stone, but nothing expensive or polished. It was scuffed with blast marks, but Kieran thought they gave his lab character.
The main floor held half-dozen desks, pushed against the walls so that the middle of the floor remained free of clutter. Half of them contained projects in various stages of completion. Kieran didn't have many shelves in here, so most of the books he used were in various stacks around the room, organized by a filing system only he understood.
Azriel just blinked for a minute before turning to him. “What are you working on right now?”
Kieran grinned, taking his elbow and steering him toward the closest desk. “Allow me to show you,” he said and gestured toward the experiment in progress. “This is a weapon. One I'm developing for citizens in Moriarty.”
Azriel's brows crawled upward. “A weapon.”
“Yes.” Kieran let go of Azriel and reached for the half-constructed weapon, which best resembled a cannon though it had no visible trigger or firing mechanism. Yet. “It's based on the idea of fireworks. I'm using the blasting powder, and I've made it as light as possible.”
“Why a weapon?”
Kieran's fingers stroked down the narrow barrel before he lowered it back to the desk. “To protect themselves. Right now, it's pretty weak. It won't kill anyone or anything. But it's a good distraction. I'm hoping it'll be effective against a Merihem.”
At least, that was his intention. This particular project had been in progress for quite some time. It kept getting pushed aside for other more interesting experiments.
“You think the Merihem are a problem?”
“Not for us,” Kieran answered, heading toward the next desk with Azriel following him. “But in the outlying villages? Yes. Sometimes. The Brigade can't be everywhere.”
“If they even bother to show at all,” Azriel muttered, but Kieran couldn't be sure that he'd intended to speak aloud.
The teenager nodded. “That, too. Though I can't really test this against a Merihem unless I go searching for one.” He shivered. “I'm not looking forward to that at all.”
Azriel made a noise of agreement in his throat. They stopped at the next desk, one topped by bubbling liquids in glass beakers and an array of bright colors.
“And this one?”
He rapped his fingers on the desktop, watching a pink liquid as it moved slowly through a clear conduit. “A new analgesic. Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
Kieran grinned. “I'm trying to enhance what the medics have been using for years. It's good, but it's not enough.”
Azriel picked up one of the stoppered test tubes, peering within. “And you expressed uncertainty because....?”
“Because I'm not a healer, my knowledge of physiology a bit limited, and I need willing test subjects.” Kieran leaned against the desk, a smile curving his lips. “Understandably, those are rather hard to find. Maybe when I graduate, people will be more interested in volunteering.”
Azriel chuckled and set the tube back in its block with a row of them. “I can imagine their reluctance, but you could pay them.” He gave a half-shrug. “It would certainly provide incentive. Much more than your wicked ways.”
Kieran laughed. “You just don't give me enough credit.”
“I give you plenty. You're crafty enough that I'm sure you'll be able to entice a few,” Azriel retorted, a glint in his eyes. Then, he turned and surveyed the lab in its entirety once more. “Thank you for showing me this.”
“I wanted to,” Kieran replied in all honesty. “So... you ready to meet my mom?”
Azriel smiled. “If that's what you have in mind next, then by all means, lead the way.”
Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Kieran gestured for Azriel to follow him. They left the lab, the door clicking shut behind him and the aether-seal humming into existence. Kieran's experiments would be safe from tampering.
No one paid them any mind as they stepped out of the cluster of trees, Azura Manor once again looming in front of them. Kieran considered entering through the servant's door in the kitchens but set that idea aside in favor of showing Azriel in through the front door. It had the better view after all and saved them both from some unfortunate implications.
They followed the stone path around the side of the manor with Kieran leading toward the front door, a certain spring in his step. At last, Azriel and his mother would meet. He could hardly contain himself.
Stepping through the front door and into the open foyer, the ceiling so high it nearly had its own weather, Kieran immediately felt the simmering aether in the air. It hissed and spat with tension, licking over his skin like an annoying itch.
Shit.
Someone had pissed off his father. Kieran had the suspicion that it’d been him. Any number of things could make Marduk angry. And of course, today of all days, Marduk had to be home and making a fuss when all Kieran wanted was to introduce Aislin and Azriel. Argh.
Azriel lingered a half-step behind him, uncertainty all but radiating from his pores. He could sense the irritated aether, but he couldn't name its owner.
Kieran himself took a half-step back, wondering if it was too late to ask Azriel if he minded having an overnight guest. Just for the day. Kieran was all for delaying the moment when he faced the wrath of Marduk.
“Kieran--”
Before Azriel could get out another word, one of the doors to their right opened, and Kieran's mom came out, looking a tad harried herself. Though to the untrained eye, it wouldn't be noticeable. Kieran, however, knew enough by now to measure his mother's moods. Whatever had gotten stuck in Marduk's craw hadn't impressed her either.
With the instincts only a parent could claim, Aislin's gaze swung their direction, instantly spying Kieran. She altered her course.
“Where have you been?” she demanded. “Your father expected you home two hours ago.”
“He didn't tell me that,” Kieran muttered, shifting his weight, embarrassment making him awkward. “I haven't seen him in a week.”
“That is no excuse. You know how your father gets.” Aislin paused, blinking as her gaze shifted past her son to the young man standing just beside him. “Oh, apologies. I did not realize we had a guest.”
Azriel stirred. “I've come at a bad time,” he replied, very subtly inching back toward the door. “If you'll excuse me...”
“No!” Kieran launched himself at Azriel. Irritated Marduk or not, he finally had his mother and Azriel in the same room. He wasn't going to let this chance slip by. “I finally got you here. You can't leave now, Azriel.”
Understanding dawned in his mother's gaze as Azriel froze in place. “Oh! This is Azriel. Son, why didn't you tell me you planned this?”
Azriel sighed. “Knowing him, it was a spontaneous decision.”
“Hey!” Kieran huffed, indignant.
Another wave of annoyed aether swept down from the upstairs, making Kieran's hair stand on end and the vases bracketing the door tremble. Aislin's gaze flicked upward before she moved forward, both hands lightly landing on the back of their shoulders.
“Come into the kitchen, you two,” she said with a gentle push. “Marduk is a bit... irritated today.”
“When is he not?” Kieran murmured.
His mother cut him a look. “I am sure I do not need to tell you why.”
No. No, she didn't. But his mom was awesome. She didn't insist on sending Azriel away just yet. Nor did she berate him out loud. Lovely woman.
Azriel still looked like he'd rather be elsewhere. Damn. This wasn't how Kieran wanted things to go. Trust Marduk to screw it all up somehow.
The kitchens were devoid of servants, and even Iris seemed to have gone missing, perhaps for some late afternoon shopping. But there was something in the oven and the scent of meat was thick in the air. Kieran's stomach grumbled appreciatively.
“Now,” Aislin began as she sat them at the breakfast nook, tucked away near the window facing the afternoon sun, a lovely glow of orange and yellow sifting in through the glass, “how about a proper introduction?”
Kieran grinned, rising to make a sweeping bow. “Azriel, I humbly present to you my mother, Lady Aislin Azura. Mama, this is Azriel Hadley, my best friend.”
Azriel dipped his head in a shallow yet polite bow and took her hand.
“It is nice to finally put face to name, Azriel,” Aislin said with a smile, clasping his hand warmly.
“Yes. Kieran mentions you a great deal,” Azriel responded, charming and awkward at once. “He is also trying to cultivate a sweet tooth with as many treats as he brings me.”
“Does he now” His mother tossed him an amused look; Kieran gulped, teasing sure to come. If not now, then later. “After all these years, those lessons in sharing have finally struck home?”
“Mama,” Kieran warned.
Azriel cast him a look. “Oh, no. You and my mother scheme all the time. If Lady Azura is willing to grant me some revenge, you can't stop her.”
His mom, that traitor, laughed.
“He's right, dearest. I'm sure you've been quite the devil.” Her attention shifted to Azriel. “He's always been a handful. From the moment he was first able to get around on his own.”
Kieran huffed. “I only tease him so I can see him laugh. You just want to embarrass me!”
Aislin acted surprised, her eyes wide and innocent. “My dear boy, didn't you know that it is part of a parent's duty? I would be remiss if I didn't humiliate you in some way.”
“Now, I see where Kieran gets that look from,” Azriel commented, gaze shifting between mother and son pointedly.
Kieran flushed. His mama chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “You learned from the best, child,” she said and rose, carefully arranging the fall of her expensive skirt. “Shall I see about getting us some tea?”
Before either could answer, however, another burst of irritated aether vibrated it the walls. Kieran winced; Azriel shifted uncomfortably.
Aislin sighed. “Perhaps you'd better speak with your father, Kieran.”
“I don't want to.” The teenager set his jaw, crossing his arms.
“That wasn't a suggestion, child.” She shifted her gaze to Azriel. “I apologize. Our first meeting should have been much more inviting.”
“It's not your fault,” Azriel replied, polite to the core. “Another time perhaps.”
Aislin smiled. “For certain.” She looked pointedly at her son, her tone leaving room for no argument. “Kieran, go see your father. I'll walk Azriel out.”
“But--”
Her steely glance made Kieran clamp his lips shut. He gritted his teeth.
“Yes, mama.” He turned his attention to Azriel, disappointed and apologetic. “Sorry this didn't go so well.”
Azriel shook his head. “We can't plan for everything.”
Nope. Kieran couldn't have guessed his father would choose today to have one of his asshole moments. And lucky for him, Kieran got to walk right into the maelstrom. Huzzah.
Not for the first time did Kieran wish he’d been unacknowledged like Azriel. Then, Marduk wouldn’t be around, which could only be a bonus.
He watched Azriel leave shortly thereafter, escorted by Aislin, and Kieran's irritation grew. So much for having a good day. And it had started out so well, too!
Kieran sighed and trudged out of the kitchen, easily following the irritated buzz of his father's aether. He felt like a man heading to the gallows. Not that Marduk was going to kill him. Yet.
Scratch that. Kieran felt like a man about to enter the den of a hungry bear. Yeah, that was a bit closer to the truth. Marduk was usually cool and distant, but in his moments of annoyance or anger, he was a cold block of ice. Nothing swayed him.
Kieran followed Marduk's anger up the stairs, right into the east wing and down four doors to his father's study. It was in the corner of the mansion, large windows facing the dawn and easily the size of Azriel's house. Or at least, half of it anyway.
Kieran stared at the closed door with trepidation, as though Marduk's annoyance was seeping through the cracks in a visible aura. The door was vibrating in its hinges, trying to escape the Azura head’s agitation.
He forced himself to knock.
“Enter” came Marduk's impatient tone.
Steeling himself, Kieran strode inside as if he had no reason to be intimidated.
Marduk was sitting behind his desk, reading over some paperwork or something. He was frowning, his brow heavily furrowed. His thin-rimmed, oval glasses were perched on the end of his nose and threatening to slip off. His dark hair, already streaked with grey, was bristling and not nearly as well-groomed as it usually was.
So yes, furious. Marduk was that and more
“You wanted to see me?” Kieran asked, and no, it wasn’t tentative. It wasn’t.
“Yes. Two hours ago.” The sound of words scratching over the paper seemed too loud in the resonant silence. “Sit.”
Kieran sat. And squirmed. Marduk wasn't saying anything. But then, this was one of his favorite tactics. His patience, in this instance, outweighed Kieran's own.
“Father--”
“You left the Conservatory before your final class, did you not?”
Kieran winced. How in all of Talemar had Marduk found out so quickly? Kieran considered lying, but what was the point? Someone had obviously tattled on him.
“It was calculus,” Kieran said instead, sitting on his hands to give them something else to do. “I learned that when I was eight.”
“That is not the point. You have a responsibility to attend every class. Even those beneath you.” Marduk paused, gaze shifting between two documents. “I will not hear of you sleeping in class this year either. Am I clear?”
He still hadn't so much as looked at Kieran.
The teenager resisted the temptation to sigh. “Yeah.”
Marduk froze.
“Excuse me?” And he finally lifted his head, blue eyes narrowing as they looked directly at his son.
Kieran flinched.
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
Damn. Bad enough he had to go to class, but now he had to pay attention? What was the point? He knew all of it already and passed everything – at the top – without studying. Save in a few select subjects, but that’s what Azriel was for.
Marduk put down his quill and stood. “Why did you leave early?” he asked, but it came out more as an order.
Kieran shifted.
“I was bored--”
“You have been bored before,” Marduk interrupted in a manner that would’ve gotten Kieran a firm lecture at the least. “There was another reason, was there not?”
Kieran fidgeted. He wondered which was worse: the truth or a half-concocted lie.
“I had something important to do,” he deflected.
“Important as in wandering around Moriarty with that… commoner?” Marduk threw in the word as though he wanted to say something else entirely.
A flush of anger sprouted across Kieran's cheeks and not just for himself. “You don't know--”
“I do not?” Marduk leaned forward, his palms on his desk. “Do not presume to tell me what I know, son. You neglected your duty, use that uneducated vernacular, and dare tell me what I do not know.”
The worst Marduk would do was restrict his freedom, confine him to his room. Aislin wouldn’t allow more than that, and in this at least, she was firm with her husband. But still, Kieran wouldn't be able to see Azriel or Gwydion; he wouldn't be free to work in his labs.
Truly, it would be a terrible loneliness.
So Kieran kept his silence. Better to let Marduk rant away his agitation than to provoke him.
“Your mother insists that I am wrong, that Hadley is not a bad influence. Yet, the proof is here before me.” His disapproving stare swept over Kieran, who bit his tongue on the overwhelming need to protest. “You are among the highest of nobles, Kieran. You are not a commoner. You are not some unwanted bastard child who was never instructed properly. You will behave as your station demands. Am I clear?”
Part of Kieran wanted to jerk back as his father loomed even with the desk between them. Another part wanted to shout at Marduk for daring to say such things about Azriel. The final part, the winning part, just hung his head.
Regardless, the unstated threat was understood.
Kieran swallowed thickly. “Yes, sir. Was there anything else?”
For a long moment, Marduk simply looked at him before he shook his head. His eyes were hard and frosty, but there was an unexpected gleam to them. Something not quite anger but not quite disgust either. They just stared at each other across the desk until Marduk finally sighed. He seemed tired then. Inexplicably so. Like he had the right.
“No. You may go.”
Kieran didn't wait for a second offer. He was out of the chair in as quick yet dignified pace he could muster. He didn't look back; there was no need.
Marduk had already seated himself again, attention devoted to his paperwork once more. He didn’t look up as Kieran left.
*****
a/n: Kieran doesn't hate his father, per se, they just don't see eye to eye on a lot of matters. We'll see a bit more of Marduk in upcoming chapter, but mostly in part two and definitely in part three.
Feedback is welcome and appreciated.
Title: The Break of Day
Series: Infinity's End, Prequel
Summary: A friendship that takes everyone by surprise slowly evolves into a deeper bond as Azriel, illegitimate son of the house Celestine, and Kieran, heir to the house Azura, throw themselves into the heart of a building altercation that explodes into an all out revolution.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20)
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Part One: Chapter Thirteen
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Part One: Chapter Thirteen
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September 9th, 1979
He found Azriel exactly where Miss Neorah said he would be: sitting at the roots of a massive birch in one of Grayshire's isolated and oft abandoned parks. They were little splashes of color and life in the middle of a bustling city. Sometimes, Grayshire seemed so removed from the forests of Talemar, disjointed and unconnected to the bustling nature beyond its borders.
“Hello, stranger,” Kieran said by way of announcing himself, dropping down next to Azriel.
The brunet gave him a smile before returning to his book. He slowly turned a page and sighed.
“Mother is such a traitor.”
Kieran leaned against him. “Are you saying you didn't want to be found by me?”
There was a moment of silence before Azriel marked his place and closed his book. Kieran snuck a glance at the cover. Bah, history. He should’ve known.
“On the contrary,” Azriel said, folding his hands in his lap. “I half-expected it. How was your first day back?”
Kieran huffed. “Boring. Uneventful. Everyone says hello by the way.”
And he meant everyone, too. Even Yonah had gotten off her high horse long enough to say things were a tad bit different without Azriel there.
“You can pass on my greeting in return,” his friend replied, unfolding his legs and stretching them out in front of him. “I don’t envy you. That is one experience I don’t care to repeat.”
“You can't have hated all of it.” Kieran's lower lip jutted out as he prodded Azriel in the side with his finger.
A small chuckle escaped the brunet's lips. “You’re right. My final year held many pleasant... surprises.”
“Thought so,” Kieran replied, smug, and he nudged Azriel with his shoulder. “Other than reading, did you have anything else planned today?”
“Do I ever?” Azriel quirked a brow.
Kieran laughed. “Not unless I have something to do with it.” He clapped Azriel on his thigh then bounded to his feet. “Come with me then. I've got something I want to show you.”
Azriel took his time in rising, brushing fallen leaves from his clothes and gathering his belongings. “What is it?”
“A surprise,” his friend said with a mischievous grin. “It's also something long overdue.”
Azriel eyed him. “Why do I feel as if I should be wary?”
Latching onto Azriel's left arm, Kieran rolled his eyes. “Have I ever steered you wrong?” he asked as he tugged Azriel toward the path and in the direction they needed to go.
“I can think of a few occasions, most of them involving alcohol.” He paused. “And a prank that didn't end well.”
“Do they ever?” Kieran retorted rhetorically. “Besides, that only happened once.”
“Three times,” Azriel corrected.
Kieran waved his free hand dismissively. “Eh. Who's counting?” He looked up at his best friend using his most pleading, wide-eyed expression. “I promise this has nothing to do with pranks.”
Azriel gave the sigh of a man already resigned to his fate. He was such a stuffy shirt sometimes.
“Lead the way. Or drag me, whichever you prefer.”
Sometimes, Azriel's rare humor chose to appear though. Kieran treasured every one of those moments.
Without bothering to hide his grin of success, Kieran successfully steered Azriel out of the park and into the main streets of Grayshire. He completely ignored the handful of glares they still managed to get as they walked together in public.
“If I let you go, you might disappear on me again,” Kieran replied and glanced sidelong at his companion. “Like you did all summer. Spending time with Souya and Lyra is nice and all, but they're not you.”
Azriel twitched. The action was imperceptible except to someone like Kieran, who spent a lot of his time watching Azriel for all of the subtleties.
“Kieran...”
“I know. You were working,” he conceded, lightening his hold as they approached a more populated section of Grayshire. Azriel was far more reserved than he. “How's that going by the way?”
“Not quite like I expected,” Azriel answered with a sigh. “My coworker is friendly and intelligent, but the work is... tedious. Luckily, I only have to endure it until January.”
Genuinely interested – and in need of distracting Azriel as well – he asked, “What sort of work?”
“The kind that would bore you to tears,” Azriel replied teasingly, amusement alit in his eyes. “It's...” He paused and glanced around pointedly, only to look at Kieran. “Why are we heading toward Stonewall?”
Damn. He'd hoped they'd get a bit closer before Azriel noticed. Caught, Kieran resolved himself to telling the truth. At least in part.
“I want to introduce you to my mom,” he said, putting on his best pleading expression once again. “And I really do have a surprise. Honest!”
Azriel paused in the middle of the walkway. There was a storm of indecision in his eyes.
“It would make you happy then?” the brunet asked quietly. “If I met your mother?”
Kieran nodded. “I got to meet Miss Neorah, and she's wonderful. I want you to meet my mom so she can see how awesome you are, too.”
Azriel's ears turned pink before he drew in a careful breath. “Very well,” he conceded. “Since you asked, I will go along with it.”
Joy bubbled up within Kieran, but he kept himself from dancing in the streets. Somehow.
“Don't think I don't know what you're enduring for this,” Kieran said in all seriousness. He snagged Azirel's arm again. “But first... the surprise.”
Azriel came along without further fuss. But he couldn't hide the tension in his frame or the tightness of his aether as it clung to him like a strong but flexible shield. Kieran babbled to fill the silence, hoping to ease Azriel's discomfort.
“Souya and Lyra are still staring lovey dovey at each other, and Yonah's still obnoxious. Harper's going through a rebellious stage; she colored her hair. I bet her parents were furious...”
Azriel listened but didn't say much. Not even when they entered Stonewall, home of the elite of the elite. With towering mansions, sweeping estates, fences to keep out the unwanted, and elaborate gates to let in the desired. Here, each tree was planted with purpose. Each flower meticulously chosen. Each piece of hewn stone laid with a grand scheme in mind.
For all its beauty, it was cold and heartless. Confining. A gilded cage.
Kieran preferred Azriel's modest house. It was warm and inviting, colorful and random. It breathed individuality. It was a home.
Kieran's house – Azura Estate – would never belong to him. It belonged to the Azura; it would always belong to the Azura. It was owned by a name. It could never be Kieran's.
They arrived quickly enough, mostly due to Azriel’s purposeful and straight-backed stride. But Kieran didn't lead them to the front entrance with its huge, double doors and curved staircases. Instead, he followed a more sedate path to the side, circling around the perimeter of the huge manse. It vanished into a thick copse of cedar trees, so thick it concealed the half-dozen buildings hidden within. Partially underground, these six were the private laboratories of the Azura. At present, two of them were empty. The rest belonged to Marduk, Kieran, and Kieran's older cousin, Rielle.
“Where are we?” Azriel questioned, posture relaxing minutely when he realized that no one else was around.
Kieran grinned, both arms sweeping out in a huge gesture. “You, my friend, are looking at the personal labs of the Azura.” He pointed down the concealed row. “The third one is mine.”
“Just yours?”
“Yep!” Beaming with pride, Kieran led Azriel toward his lab, neatly surrounded by his favorite – maple trees, already turning red and gold with oncoming fall. “I earned it when I proved I had at least a basic understanding of math and magical theory.”
“How did you prove such a thing?” the brunet questioned with narrowed eyes but allowed himself to be pulled along.
Kieran shrugged. “Lots and lots of testing, especially of my father's patience.”
For the second time today, he managed to get a smile out of Azriel. Kieran considered that a rousing success.
He gave Azriel’s arm a squeeze before reaching for the door, flaring his aether as he touched the knob. A tingle raced across his fingertips before it was gone – recognizing him.
“I'm the only one who can open the door,” Kieran explained as he turned the knob, pushed it open, and gestured for Azriel to precede him. “It's sort of an Azura thing. Our labs are private and personal. No one else can visit unless we let them.”
“Ah,” Azriel commented noncommittally, stepping ahead of Kieran. “And how many have you invited into your inner sanctum?”
Kieran closed the door, feeling the thrum of magic snap into place as his shields activated once more. They were rudimentary, to be fair, but no Azura would dare intrude anyway. It was the ultimate insult amongst scientists.
“My mama's been in here,” Kieran said and thumbed his chin, considering. Gwydion, too, of course. But he couldn't tell Azriel about her just yet. “But otherwise…”
He just shrugged and let the silence lie for him. Still, he'd have invited Souya, Kieran supposed, but he didn't think his friend would be interested.
Azriel paused, tilting his head to look back at Kieran. Something flickered across his face but was quickly lost.
“I'm honored.”
“It's only fair,” Kieran explained, moving down the narrow hallway as Azriel followed him. “You showed me one of your secrets. You trusted me. I wanted to show you that I trust you, too.”
It was a bit embarrassing to admit aloud, but it was the truth.
A moment of silence followed his admission. Azriel, perhaps, unable to find the right words to say and Kieran marinating in his own embarrassment. Luckily, the corridor was a short one, leading to another door that was thicker and heavier than the first one but unlocked.
They stepped into the main room, and Kieran flung his arms out wide, chasing away the awkwardness of the previous moment.
“I give you the mystical realm of Kieran Azura. Home to all of my brilliance. Behold”
Azriel's lips twitched as he looked around, taking in every detail. “It's very... you.”
Kieran grinned, planting his hands on his hips. Azriel was right, of course. His lab – and himself – were the perfect example of organized chaos. Instead of opting for several floors like some of his fellows, Kieran had opened for one main room, the ceiling stretching high above him. Walkways were built into the walls, broad enough for a path and for tables or easels in random intervals, giving the illusion of further levels, but standing in the middle of his lab, Kieran could look straight up and out his skylight if he so wished. Also, the highest catwalk had a telescope positioned at the only window that would open.
It was also the window that Gwydion used to come and go, but Kieran had already warned her that he planned to bring Azriel by. She would not be putting in an appearance today. At most, she might perch outside and pretend to be the owl she mimicked if only to catch a glimpse of the man her human spoke of so often. She was such a curious little creature and unable to completely resist temptation. Just like Kieran himself.
The teenager just grinned at that thought and turned back to his friend. Watching Azriel take it all in.
The windows and the sunlight they let in brightened the room considerably, but they also were carefully shielded so that no prying eyes could peer at the many works in progress. Designs and schematics decorated the walls, tacked and glued and taped into place in a helter-skelter sort of arrangement only Kieran could make sense of. The floor was poured stone, but nothing expensive or polished. It was scuffed with blast marks, but Kieran thought they gave his lab character.
The main floor held half-dozen desks, pushed against the walls so that the middle of the floor remained free of clutter. Half of them contained projects in various stages of completion. Kieran didn't have many shelves in here, so most of the books he used were in various stacks around the room, organized by a filing system only he understood.
Azriel just blinked for a minute before turning to him. “What are you working on right now?”
Kieran grinned, taking his elbow and steering him toward the closest desk. “Allow me to show you,” he said and gestured toward the experiment in progress. “This is a weapon. One I'm developing for citizens in Moriarty.”
Azriel's brows crawled upward. “A weapon.”
“Yes.” Kieran let go of Azriel and reached for the half-constructed weapon, which best resembled a cannon though it had no visible trigger or firing mechanism. Yet. “It's based on the idea of fireworks. I'm using the blasting powder, and I've made it as light as possible.”
“Why a weapon?”
Kieran's fingers stroked down the narrow barrel before he lowered it back to the desk. “To protect themselves. Right now, it's pretty weak. It won't kill anyone or anything. But it's a good distraction. I'm hoping it'll be effective against a Merihem.”
At least, that was his intention. This particular project had been in progress for quite some time. It kept getting pushed aside for other more interesting experiments.
“You think the Merihem are a problem?”
“Not for us,” Kieran answered, heading toward the next desk with Azriel following him. “But in the outlying villages? Yes. Sometimes. The Brigade can't be everywhere.”
“If they even bother to show at all,” Azriel muttered, but Kieran couldn't be sure that he'd intended to speak aloud.
The teenager nodded. “That, too. Though I can't really test this against a Merihem unless I go searching for one.” He shivered. “I'm not looking forward to that at all.”
Azriel made a noise of agreement in his throat. They stopped at the next desk, one topped by bubbling liquids in glass beakers and an array of bright colors.
“And this one?”
He rapped his fingers on the desktop, watching a pink liquid as it moved slowly through a clear conduit. “A new analgesic. Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
Kieran grinned. “I'm trying to enhance what the medics have been using for years. It's good, but it's not enough.”
Azriel picked up one of the stoppered test tubes, peering within. “And you expressed uncertainty because....?”
“Because I'm not a healer, my knowledge of physiology a bit limited, and I need willing test subjects.” Kieran leaned against the desk, a smile curving his lips. “Understandably, those are rather hard to find. Maybe when I graduate, people will be more interested in volunteering.”
Azriel chuckled and set the tube back in its block with a row of them. “I can imagine their reluctance, but you could pay them.” He gave a half-shrug. “It would certainly provide incentive. Much more than your wicked ways.”
Kieran laughed. “You just don't give me enough credit.”
“I give you plenty. You're crafty enough that I'm sure you'll be able to entice a few,” Azriel retorted, a glint in his eyes. Then, he turned and surveyed the lab in its entirety once more. “Thank you for showing me this.”
“I wanted to,” Kieran replied in all honesty. “So... you ready to meet my mom?”
Azriel smiled. “If that's what you have in mind next, then by all means, lead the way.”
Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Kieran gestured for Azriel to follow him. They left the lab, the door clicking shut behind him and the aether-seal humming into existence. Kieran's experiments would be safe from tampering.
No one paid them any mind as they stepped out of the cluster of trees, Azura Manor once again looming in front of them. Kieran considered entering through the servant's door in the kitchens but set that idea aside in favor of showing Azriel in through the front door. It had the better view after all and saved them both from some unfortunate implications.
They followed the stone path around the side of the manor with Kieran leading toward the front door, a certain spring in his step. At last, Azriel and his mother would meet. He could hardly contain himself.
Stepping through the front door and into the open foyer, the ceiling so high it nearly had its own weather, Kieran immediately felt the simmering aether in the air. It hissed and spat with tension, licking over his skin like an annoying itch.
Shit.
Someone had pissed off his father. Kieran had the suspicion that it’d been him. Any number of things could make Marduk angry. And of course, today of all days, Marduk had to be home and making a fuss when all Kieran wanted was to introduce Aislin and Azriel. Argh.
Azriel lingered a half-step behind him, uncertainty all but radiating from his pores. He could sense the irritated aether, but he couldn't name its owner.
Kieran himself took a half-step back, wondering if it was too late to ask Azriel if he minded having an overnight guest. Just for the day. Kieran was all for delaying the moment when he faced the wrath of Marduk.
“Kieran--”
Before Azriel could get out another word, one of the doors to their right opened, and Kieran's mom came out, looking a tad harried herself. Though to the untrained eye, it wouldn't be noticeable. Kieran, however, knew enough by now to measure his mother's moods. Whatever had gotten stuck in Marduk's craw hadn't impressed her either.
With the instincts only a parent could claim, Aislin's gaze swung their direction, instantly spying Kieran. She altered her course.
“Where have you been?” she demanded. “Your father expected you home two hours ago.”
“He didn't tell me that,” Kieran muttered, shifting his weight, embarrassment making him awkward. “I haven't seen him in a week.”
“That is no excuse. You know how your father gets.” Aislin paused, blinking as her gaze shifted past her son to the young man standing just beside him. “Oh, apologies. I did not realize we had a guest.”
Azriel stirred. “I've come at a bad time,” he replied, very subtly inching back toward the door. “If you'll excuse me...”
“No!” Kieran launched himself at Azriel. Irritated Marduk or not, he finally had his mother and Azriel in the same room. He wasn't going to let this chance slip by. “I finally got you here. You can't leave now, Azriel.”
Understanding dawned in his mother's gaze as Azriel froze in place. “Oh! This is Azriel. Son, why didn't you tell me you planned this?”
Azriel sighed. “Knowing him, it was a spontaneous decision.”
“Hey!” Kieran huffed, indignant.
Another wave of annoyed aether swept down from the upstairs, making Kieran's hair stand on end and the vases bracketing the door tremble. Aislin's gaze flicked upward before she moved forward, both hands lightly landing on the back of their shoulders.
“Come into the kitchen, you two,” she said with a gentle push. “Marduk is a bit... irritated today.”
“When is he not?” Kieran murmured.
His mother cut him a look. “I am sure I do not need to tell you why.”
No. No, she didn't. But his mom was awesome. She didn't insist on sending Azriel away just yet. Nor did she berate him out loud. Lovely woman.
Azriel still looked like he'd rather be elsewhere. Damn. This wasn't how Kieran wanted things to go. Trust Marduk to screw it all up somehow.
The kitchens were devoid of servants, and even Iris seemed to have gone missing, perhaps for some late afternoon shopping. But there was something in the oven and the scent of meat was thick in the air. Kieran's stomach grumbled appreciatively.
“Now,” Aislin began as she sat them at the breakfast nook, tucked away near the window facing the afternoon sun, a lovely glow of orange and yellow sifting in through the glass, “how about a proper introduction?”
Kieran grinned, rising to make a sweeping bow. “Azriel, I humbly present to you my mother, Lady Aislin Azura. Mama, this is Azriel Hadley, my best friend.”
Azriel dipped his head in a shallow yet polite bow and took her hand.
“It is nice to finally put face to name, Azriel,” Aislin said with a smile, clasping his hand warmly.
“Yes. Kieran mentions you a great deal,” Azriel responded, charming and awkward at once. “He is also trying to cultivate a sweet tooth with as many treats as he brings me.”
“Does he now” His mother tossed him an amused look; Kieran gulped, teasing sure to come. If not now, then later. “After all these years, those lessons in sharing have finally struck home?”
“Mama,” Kieran warned.
Azriel cast him a look. “Oh, no. You and my mother scheme all the time. If Lady Azura is willing to grant me some revenge, you can't stop her.”
His mom, that traitor, laughed.
“He's right, dearest. I'm sure you've been quite the devil.” Her attention shifted to Azriel. “He's always been a handful. From the moment he was first able to get around on his own.”
Kieran huffed. “I only tease him so I can see him laugh. You just want to embarrass me!”
Aislin acted surprised, her eyes wide and innocent. “My dear boy, didn't you know that it is part of a parent's duty? I would be remiss if I didn't humiliate you in some way.”
“Now, I see where Kieran gets that look from,” Azriel commented, gaze shifting between mother and son pointedly.
Kieran flushed. His mama chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “You learned from the best, child,” she said and rose, carefully arranging the fall of her expensive skirt. “Shall I see about getting us some tea?”
Before either could answer, however, another burst of irritated aether vibrated it the walls. Kieran winced; Azriel shifted uncomfortably.
Aislin sighed. “Perhaps you'd better speak with your father, Kieran.”
“I don't want to.” The teenager set his jaw, crossing his arms.
“That wasn't a suggestion, child.” She shifted her gaze to Azriel. “I apologize. Our first meeting should have been much more inviting.”
“It's not your fault,” Azriel replied, polite to the core. “Another time perhaps.”
Aislin smiled. “For certain.” She looked pointedly at her son, her tone leaving room for no argument. “Kieran, go see your father. I'll walk Azriel out.”
“But--”
Her steely glance made Kieran clamp his lips shut. He gritted his teeth.
“Yes, mama.” He turned his attention to Azriel, disappointed and apologetic. “Sorry this didn't go so well.”
Azriel shook his head. “We can't plan for everything.”
Nope. Kieran couldn't have guessed his father would choose today to have one of his asshole moments. And lucky for him, Kieran got to walk right into the maelstrom. Huzzah.
Not for the first time did Kieran wish he’d been unacknowledged like Azriel. Then, Marduk wouldn’t be around, which could only be a bonus.
He watched Azriel leave shortly thereafter, escorted by Aislin, and Kieran's irritation grew. So much for having a good day. And it had started out so well, too!
Kieran sighed and trudged out of the kitchen, easily following the irritated buzz of his father's aether. He felt like a man heading to the gallows. Not that Marduk was going to kill him. Yet.
Scratch that. Kieran felt like a man about to enter the den of a hungry bear. Yeah, that was a bit closer to the truth. Marduk was usually cool and distant, but in his moments of annoyance or anger, he was a cold block of ice. Nothing swayed him.
Kieran followed Marduk's anger up the stairs, right into the east wing and down four doors to his father's study. It was in the corner of the mansion, large windows facing the dawn and easily the size of Azriel's house. Or at least, half of it anyway.
Kieran stared at the closed door with trepidation, as though Marduk's annoyance was seeping through the cracks in a visible aura. The door was vibrating in its hinges, trying to escape the Azura head’s agitation.
He forced himself to knock.
“Enter” came Marduk's impatient tone.
Steeling himself, Kieran strode inside as if he had no reason to be intimidated.
Marduk was sitting behind his desk, reading over some paperwork or something. He was frowning, his brow heavily furrowed. His thin-rimmed, oval glasses were perched on the end of his nose and threatening to slip off. His dark hair, already streaked with grey, was bristling and not nearly as well-groomed as it usually was.
So yes, furious. Marduk was that and more
“You wanted to see me?” Kieran asked, and no, it wasn’t tentative. It wasn’t.
“Yes. Two hours ago.” The sound of words scratching over the paper seemed too loud in the resonant silence. “Sit.”
Kieran sat. And squirmed. Marduk wasn't saying anything. But then, this was one of his favorite tactics. His patience, in this instance, outweighed Kieran's own.
“Father--”
“You left the Conservatory before your final class, did you not?”
Kieran winced. How in all of Talemar had Marduk found out so quickly? Kieran considered lying, but what was the point? Someone had obviously tattled on him.
“It was calculus,” Kieran said instead, sitting on his hands to give them something else to do. “I learned that when I was eight.”
“That is not the point. You have a responsibility to attend every class. Even those beneath you.” Marduk paused, gaze shifting between two documents. “I will not hear of you sleeping in class this year either. Am I clear?”
He still hadn't so much as looked at Kieran.
The teenager resisted the temptation to sigh. “Yeah.”
Marduk froze.
“Excuse me?” And he finally lifted his head, blue eyes narrowing as they looked directly at his son.
Kieran flinched.
“Yes, sir. I understand.”
Damn. Bad enough he had to go to class, but now he had to pay attention? What was the point? He knew all of it already and passed everything – at the top – without studying. Save in a few select subjects, but that’s what Azriel was for.
Marduk put down his quill and stood. “Why did you leave early?” he asked, but it came out more as an order.
Kieran shifted.
“I was bored--”
“You have been bored before,” Marduk interrupted in a manner that would’ve gotten Kieran a firm lecture at the least. “There was another reason, was there not?”
Kieran fidgeted. He wondered which was worse: the truth or a half-concocted lie.
“I had something important to do,” he deflected.
“Important as in wandering around Moriarty with that… commoner?” Marduk threw in the word as though he wanted to say something else entirely.
A flush of anger sprouted across Kieran's cheeks and not just for himself. “You don't know--”
“I do not?” Marduk leaned forward, his palms on his desk. “Do not presume to tell me what I know, son. You neglected your duty, use that uneducated vernacular, and dare tell me what I do not know.”
The worst Marduk would do was restrict his freedom, confine him to his room. Aislin wouldn’t allow more than that, and in this at least, she was firm with her husband. But still, Kieran wouldn't be able to see Azriel or Gwydion; he wouldn't be free to work in his labs.
Truly, it would be a terrible loneliness.
So Kieran kept his silence. Better to let Marduk rant away his agitation than to provoke him.
“Your mother insists that I am wrong, that Hadley is not a bad influence. Yet, the proof is here before me.” His disapproving stare swept over Kieran, who bit his tongue on the overwhelming need to protest. “You are among the highest of nobles, Kieran. You are not a commoner. You are not some unwanted bastard child who was never instructed properly. You will behave as your station demands. Am I clear?”
Part of Kieran wanted to jerk back as his father loomed even with the desk between them. Another part wanted to shout at Marduk for daring to say such things about Azriel. The final part, the winning part, just hung his head.
Regardless, the unstated threat was understood.
Kieran swallowed thickly. “Yes, sir. Was there anything else?”
For a long moment, Marduk simply looked at him before he shook his head. His eyes were hard and frosty, but there was an unexpected gleam to them. Something not quite anger but not quite disgust either. They just stared at each other across the desk until Marduk finally sighed. He seemed tired then. Inexplicably so. Like he had the right.
“No. You may go.”
Kieran didn't wait for a second offer. He was out of the chair in as quick yet dignified pace he could muster. He didn't look back; there was no need.
Marduk had already seated himself again, attention devoted to his paperwork once more. He didn’t look up as Kieran left.
a/n: Kieran doesn't hate his father, per se, they just don't see eye to eye on a lot of matters. We'll see a bit more of Marduk in upcoming chapter, but mostly in part two and definitely in part three.
Feedback is welcome and appreciated.
