Darryl walked into the castle of the Blackwaters Clan as the sun went down. The sky outside turned orange and purple, and the lights in the castle shone like stars.
He looked around and saw everything his grandfather built—the halls, the walls, the banners. Now it was all under his care, because the old patriarch had left to live alone. The weight of leading the clan was heavy, but he carried it.
“I’ve been waiting for you, love,” Keith said as he came closer.
Darryl pulled him into a hug at once. He breathed in Keith’s scent, and it calmed him. For a moment, the heavy burden on his chest felt lighter.
“I’m sorry for making you wait,” Darryl said softly. “I just had to make sure of something. Let’s go to my office. I have something to tell you.”
Keith nodded and held his hand. Togethe
