160 Hopeful
Lucian
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Good. Thanks for handling everything.”
Even though Mooncrest was technically an island, it was so vast and diverse that flying between regions often felt like crossing an entire continent. I couldn’t help but feel a pull deep in my gut-towards Neev, towards Katya, towards a truth I wasn’t sure I was ready to uncover.
“We can’t stay more than three days, though,” I reminded him. “The handover ceremony is unavoidable.”
Denis chuckled. “Yeah, I figured. It only clicked when I saw the announcement on the news tonight. Apparently, the whole city’s buzzing about it.”
“Oh?” I arched a brow, intrigued.
“Everyone’s celebrating. They say you’re as strong as Leonard Nighthorn-your great-grandfather, right? Some even claim you might be his reincarnation.”
I let out a soft laugh. “We really need to start watching the news.”
“Maybe,” Denis teased. “Or maybe it’s just more fun to be the news.”
“About Keisha coming…” I began, already reaching for an excuse. “Mara will be going to the office, so-”
Denis cut me off.
“I spoke to Keisha,” he said smoothly. “She wants to hang out with her folks instead. The wedding’s right after the
handover, remember?”
I let out a quiet sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. Lying to Denis never felt right-he was too straightforward, too loyal.
But still, this was a delicate situation. A win-win for all parties, sure, but Mara’s request was final, and I wouldn’t go agains
her comfort in our own home.
I didn’t fully understand why she didn’t want Keisha staying with us, but she hadn’t asked for much lately. And truthfully, she was the boss. Period.
I ended the call and was about to dial Darian when my phone buzzed again-my father.
I exhaled sharply and picked up.
“Father,” I greeted.
“Lucian, what’s this I hear about you taking the chopper to Neev?” he asked, voice clipped. “Have you forgotten the handover is just days away?”
I shut my eyes briefly. Here we go.
“I just want to check in on Richard. It’ll be quick,” I lied, steadying my voice. It was the cleanest excuse I had.
He sighed, long and low. “Are you going with your wife?”
“No. Mara’s staying in the city,” I replied.
“Good. Then don’t take long. And be careful in Neev. It isn’t as safe as it pretends to be.”
His tone was sharp, shadowed by something unspoken. I hesitated, then seized the moment. “Why?” I asked carefully. “You’ve never told me what happened when you and Mother went there.”
160 Hopeful
Silence.
+ Peinte
Then a heavy breath. “Not everything can be discussed over the phone. I’ll tell you when it’s time. Just… stay away from public places-restaurants, bars. Keep to yourselves.”
It was the most he’d ever said about that trip. I wanted to push more, but I could hear the finality in his tone.
“Is it true Darian’s going with you?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“And Tiffany? Emma?”
“They’re staying here with Mara.”
A beat passed.
“You’re not helping that boy, Lucian,” he said, his voice tightening. “You should be pushing him to marry that girl.”
“We’re working on it,” I said simply, unwilling to go into the complicated details of Darian and Tiffany’s chaos.
There was another pause, then a soft, “Alright. Return quickly,” before he hung up.
I exhaled and tossed the phone on the nightstand, rubbing my hands over my face.
After a quick call to Darian to finalise logistics, I climbed into bed beside Mara, wrapping my arms around her. She nestled
into my chest without a word, and I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
We didn’t talk. We didn’t need to.
A film played softly in the background, but neither of us paid attention. I just wanted this moment-this simple, quiet
closeness before tomorrow came and took me away from her.
Because deep down, I knew…
Something awaited me in Neev.
And I wasn’t sure I’d like what I found.
