Stars began appearing overhead, scattered across darkness that spread endlessly above the mountains.
The terrace had grown cold, wind pulling at their clothes with growing intensity.
But Damian paid no attention to any of it, his gaze fixed on his father's face, his body still trembling from sobs that refused to stop completely.
Darius's hands remained cupped around his masked face, anchoring them both.
Then Damian's whisper cut through the quiet, broken and small.
"F-Father..."
The word caught in his throat, making it difficult to continue.
"Before I go, can I... can I be weak for the last time?"
Darius's expression softened immediately, his head nodded once, the movement slow and certain.
Damian's breathing quickened, his chest heaving as fresh tears started falling beneath the mask.
"You say... you say endings can be beautiful."
His voice came out rough and fractured, each word forcing itself through his throat and the walls he had built.
