65 65. Lion's den

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aiden and Damien sat on the porch of the top of his office building, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the porch light. Aiden cleared his throat, breaking the silence that hung between them.

"Damien," Aiden began, his voice gentle, "I know you've been curious about Hayden's past, and I think it's time you heard the truth."

Damien turned his gaze toward Aiden, his brow furrowed slightly, a mix of intrigue and scepticism in his eyes.

"You see," Aiden continued, his gaze fixed on the distant stars, "Hayden lost his parents when he was just a child. It was a tragic road accident, and he was left all alone in this world. But rather than letting that darkness consume him, he chose a different path."