(no subject)

[idraax]

He stood outside her door, fiddling with his watch. The steel loomed over him, a cold shadow sinking into his heart. Their son had been chosen.

The name had come across his screen and he could do nothing, but approve it. There was no reason for dissent, none at all. Yet, the shadow in his heart lingered and the chill spread to his bones.

He should have spent more time with Akian. Should have spent more time with all of them really. But, the office had called and as always, he had answered. He hadn't even noticed Akantha's illness, not until it was too late.

Swallowing hard, he pushed open the door.

"Hello Akantha," he said into the grey of the room.

She stirred, opening her lovely brown eyes to look at him. He shifted under her gaze, but stepped forward and closed the door behind him.

"Hiram," she said.

Her voice was threaded through with surprise and he felt shame well up in him. He really should have visited sooner.

Something of his thoughts must have shown though because her gaze sharpened and she sat up, coughing.

"Out with it," she gasped, sucking in a breath. "You...you wouldn't be here otherwise"

The familiar sourness of guilt churned in his throat. She knew him well. He wished he could say the same.

He walked closer, sinking into the chair beside the bed. It creaked dangerously under his weight and she snorted, looking at him with a faint smile. He smiled back and felt wetness in his eyes. He hadn't seen her smile like that since before the divorce.

"They've picked Akian to be the Alezrani," he said and watched the smile slide off her face.

"No"

"It's out of my hands Akantha. There's nothing I can do. Nothing"

He looked at the floor. The weight of her gaze pressed into him and the shadow in his heart grew deeper, his bones colder.

"I'm sorry," he said and wished he were back in the office.