the sun a cruel mockery Posted on February 3, 2025 at 01:09:54 AM by Helios ☼ Akkadian
Helios' gut pinched with no small amount of dread at the gruesome smile and laughter that dripped from the draft's maw. The thin line his ashen lips had become deepened into a frown as Lucifer spoke. The words grated against him, worming under his skin. ..Sell you to slaughter. His spotted son, however, merely twisted an ear in annoyance and said nothing. The harsh orange of his gaze hardened as he continued to look upon this beast his father had made an enemy by protecting others. Those who weren't his to protect but who walk upon his land.
Helios' weight shifted as he noticed Lucifer's crimson gaze returning to his son, and he leaned toward the boy. Dust-tipped ears twisted to flatten against the burnished color of his poll. They listened with a creeping stillness as the black beast went back on the deal and heavy-handedly laid the decision at Akkadian's feet. "Come with me and be yourself, or stay here... where you have your father offer you on a silver platter once already."
Helios was motionless, frozen at the spotted boy's side while Akkadian.. deliberated. It was a word for it anyway. He had already known that he was going to leave the Dunes, if not today then at some point soon. It pricked at something dark and vengeful within his heart to watch his father groom Caesarion to take his place. It wouldn't be anytime soon, but it would still happen. Caesarion who shone like the reddest of flames, who stood fast with their sire's ideals and bleeding heart antics.
Yes, he'd aimed to leave for well over a year now, knowing there was only so much that his sire could teach him. There were ends to what Helios would be willing to do for his herd, his children. While this had been a low he hadn't expected of his father, it was as far as Akkadian was willing to let his father fail him.
Carefully, his gaze slid from the dripping draft to his father, who stood stock-still next to him. Helios had swallowed a stone and gone hollow were it dropped through his body. Had he already assumed what his son would say next? "Father," Kade said slowly. His tone low and steady, but unapologetic. Helios did not turn, did not move a muscle.
"We both knew I would leave the Dunes." The words came firmer now, strengthened by his resolve, the knowing he felt in his gut. He would be leaving on his own terms, and the thought encouraged his blood to pound harder. "I've already said my goodbyes." This was uttered in a more sour and clipped manner than anything before. Then louder, Akkadian stated, "I'll be leaving with you, Lucifer, for my own reasons, not yours or my fathers."