Damian's mind rang with words spoken days ago, echoing back with new weight.
Felix Onyx sitting in front of him, those eyes carrying absolute certainty.
"No matter how much of a genius you are, no matter how talented or determined or strong you become..."
A pause that had felt like judgment.
"You aren't Darius Bloodworth."
At that time, Damian hadn't understood what those words truly meant.
He'd taken them as dismissal, as someone trying to diminish his worth by comparing him to a dead legend he'd never known.
But now...
His crimson eyes tracked across his father's profile.
'My father...'
The thought formed with something approaching pride.
'He really was the greatest genius this universe has ever seen, wasn't he?'
Before Damian's thoughts could spiral further, Darius's presence shifted back to normal.
The divine arrogance faded, replaced by the warmth that had been there before.
He turned back toward the setting sun, his posture relaxing fractionally.
