The Moon Forgets Her Name
Firelight
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
You know exactly what I’m asking… don’t you?
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*Exhales slowly*
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
I knew there were… consequences to your bond. Ones that would have destroyed more than just you.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*voice drops to a whisper* You lied to me.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*snaps* I protected you. I protected the pack. The name you carry.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
I don’t care about the name if it means power over love. Over her.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*Turns away, voice raw with pain* You made me live like a ghost
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*Hands tighten* It was for the good of everything.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*Turns sharply* And one more thing… you’re not selling that land.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*Arches brow* You don’t have the authority yet.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
But I will. And I swear, I’ll burn every contract you signed.
The air is combustible now, thick enough to choke on.
Evric sits in silence. The firelight paints his face in gold, etching the years deep. He studies Zypher—taller, stronger, fiercer… and perhaps more dangerous than he’d ever meant him to be.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
You think love makes you worthy?
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
It makes you weak
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*Steps closer* It makes me defiant. It makes me more alive than this dynasty ever did.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*Quietly, staring into the flames* Then perhaps you were never meant to be Alpha.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
Maybe I wasn’t.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*Shrugs* But I’ll fight for her before I ever fight for your legacy
A long silence stretches—only the fire crackles and the distant hum of the estate beyond the walls can be heard.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
*Voice softens, almost regretful* There’s a weight to this name, Zypher.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
It crushes the heart before it carves the crown. You don’t get to run from it.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
I didn’t run.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*His gaze sharpens* You pushed me.
Evric turns to him, eyes blazing. Not anger—warning.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
If you continue down this road… you won’t just lose the title.
Evric Valestryn (ML Father)
You’ll lose the kingdom. And maybe yourself.
Zhypher Valestryn (ML)
*Hand on the door, voice firm* I already lost her once. That was the only loss that ever mattered.
Zypher steps out. The hallway beyond feels colder, emptier.
Back in the office, Evric remains still. Alone. The silence of his choices presses heavier than any crown.
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