Cilian grabbed the front of Ren's shirt, pulling him up until their noses touched. He didn't look like a fox anymore; he looked like a smiling addict suffering from withdrawal symptoms. He buried his face in Ren's neck, inhaling so sharply it sounded like a sob.
"You're mine," Cilian whispered, his voice ragged. "Mine. Only mine. I'll kill them. I'll kill every single one of them if they even think about taking a piece of you."
Ren stayed frozen. He could feel Cilian's heart racing, a frantic, thudding rhythm against his own chest. The man was unstable, that was for sure.
He was drowning in Ren's scent, losing the very composure he was famous for.
'I was right.' Ren thought. 'He has paranoia.'
But when did it start? He didn't know Cilian had paranoia two years ago. He looked like a stable human being then. But of course, he also didn't know Cilian was plotting a hostile takeover as well, so his limited knowledge of Cilian couldn't help him in any way.
"The video," Ren said, trying to push him away. He didn't care if Cilian was having a mental breakdown. He just wanted what he promised. "You promised that if I did what you wanted, you'd let me talk to Toby. So, let's do it. Let's do the video call."
Cilian pulled back slowly. His face was a mess, and his eyes held a lingering rage, but he took a deep breath, smoothing his hair back and swiping his hand over his face to get rid of it all.
The mask of a calm sky fox came back, perfectly etched like he had not just had a mental breakdown.
"Yes," Cilian said, his voice steady and light. "Of course, I'll let you have the video call. Let's go home. I've had enough of sharing you for one night. And I don't think I want to do it again."
He wanted the world to see he finally owned Ren Pierce, but if it was at the expense of feeling like this, he was sure he wouldn't attempt it a second time.
He has done enough. Now, he could lock Ren in the pretty green cage he prepared for him for the rest of his life.
Wasn't that wonderful?
On their way back, Cilian fulfilled his promise. He got a call through to the boarding house and handed it over to Ren.
The tablet screen flickered, casting a blue light over Ren's face. Toby was there, his small face filling the frame. The background of the room behind him was soft, flowery walls and a shelf of books, a world away from the violence or bloodshed.
The child looked like he had no care in the world… as it should be.
"Uncle Ren!" Toby chirped. "I'm so happy you called. I was already missing you a lot. You and everyone else. And look at this," he raised a little gold star. "I got a gold star today for my drawing. The teacher said it was the best one."
Ren forced his lips into a smile, fighting the tears that were already forming in his eyes just listening to the child speak. "That's amazing, Toby. You're amazing."
Toby's smile faltered. He couldn't see it clearly, but he could tell there was something odd about his uncle's expression.
"Uncle Ren? Are you okay? You look tired. And your neck has a black thing on it."
Ren's trembling hand went to the leather collar, his fingers curling over the ruby. It was his shame, but he would not let the child understand it.
"It's just part of my work costume, Toby. Don't worry. Are you eating your vegetables?" He quickly changed the topic.
"Yeah," Toby said, picking at a loose thread on his sweater. "The place is really big. And Mr. Cilian sent me those markers and the big teddy bear." The child looked happy, even when talking about the man he didn't know who was holding him captive.
This ached Ren's heart. But what ached his heart more was what the child said next. His expression fell into that of a sad one as he muttered,
"But,"
"What's wrong, Toby? Is something bothering you?"
"I just miss the old house." He said, and Ren's heart made a thudding sound. "And I miss Dad. When are you guys coming back from your business trip?"
Ren looked into the shadows of the car, feeling Cilian's gaze on his skin. He couldn't tell the truth. Even if Cilian wasn't there, he wasn't sure he could tell this six-year-old that his father was dead.
"Soon, Toby," Ren lied, pursing his lips afterwards to fight the tears harder.
"Is he with you?" Toby asked. "Can I talk to him?"
"Not right now,"
"Then, what about you? Will you come soon?" The question sent a stake through Ren's heart. "You used to say we'd go to the park when the weather got nice. So can you come today? Maybe tomorrow? Or the day after that?"
Ren's vision blurred. A single tear finally escaped, rolling down his cheek. "I can't come today, kiddo, nor tomorrow. I have a lot of work to do. But I'm trying. I'm trying so hard to come get you."
"Okay," Toby whispered, sounding disappointed. "I'll just wait. I'll be a good boy, I promise. Tell Dad I love him?"
"I will," Ren rasped. "I love you, Toby."
The connection cut, and Ren just sat there with the tablet in his lap, his head bowed. He let the tears fall, his shoulders shaking as he mourned the life Toby still thought existed.
"Do you like your nephew that much?"
Cilian's voice came from the darkness. It was flat and sharp, but Ren didn't answer. He wiped his face, his jaw tightening.
"I asked you a question, Ren," Cilian said, leaning into the light from the tablet. His fox eyes were narrowed, looking at the tears on Ren's cheeks. "You don't cry for me. You don't even look at me like that. You used to smile a lot for me, what happened?"
"Because I hate you," Ren hissed, finally turning to face him. "He's an innocent child, you monster. How could you lock him away? And you're wondering why I don't smile at you. Why would I ever look at you with anything but disgust after what you've done to me?"