43 To be a demon and a son

Cael fell silent again and lowered his eyes. When he looked at his father, he knew the man was entirely honest in his wish to help him. But for what reason? For family honor? Or just because Cael was his son?

Today, Father had called Cael a hero, but the word had a sour taste.

A devil… Was that really who Cael was in everyone's eyes now? He didn't think about that before. There was no way to take them back, though, and Cael wouldn't do that if he could.

The life of his father and the lives of Oliveira's soldiers were worth the blemish on his reputation. In fact…

Cael smirked bitterly. Maybe if he embraced being "the devil", something good might yet come out of this.

He lifted his gaze to Father's. Cael's face grew hard and resolute. The lie didn't feel like one when it left his tongue—because it was the truth, in a way. In a very metaphorical way.