FIORA: DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN

VOL 2 - Chapter 21 - The Weight of a Secret

Upon the break of dawn, the golden sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Antrodos gently shook Max awake before Lucianna and Agnes stirred from their slumber. "Max," he whispered, "I need to speak with you outside. It's important."

Max, still groggy from sleep, followed his father into the fresh morning air. The dew-kissed grass crunched beneath their feet as they walked to a secluded spot, the soft chirping of birds creating a melodious backdrop.

Antrodos drew in a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation he was about to have with his son. "Max, I want you to promise me that you won't reveal our true backstory to Lucianna," he began, his voice laced with trepidation. "If she learns about the tales of Butterhame, she might not want anything to do with us anymore. She might not trust us, especially after I accidentally revealed my demonic heritage."

Max's eyes widened as he listened to his father, the weight of the secret settling upon his shoulders. "But Father, why would she react that way?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Antrodos sighed, the lines on his face betraying the years of struggle and torment he had endured. "The tales of Butterhame paint me as a coward and a traitor, Max," he admitted, his voice heavy with shame. "Additionally, tieflings like myself have long been shunned by society. I've been fortunate that my appearance is fully human due to my mixed heritage, but if Lucianna were to learn the truth, she might not be as accepting."

As he spoke, Antrodos elaborated on the nature of tieflings – individuals with a bloodline tainted by infernal heritage. His explanation was both comprehensive and persuasive, leaving Max with a deep understanding of the complex circumstances surrounding his father's past.

Max nodded, his resolve hardened by his father's words. "I promise, Father," he said, a solemn expression etched upon his face. "I won't tell Lucianna about our past. We'll keep this secret together."

The two shared a moment of understanding, their bond fortified by the weighty secret they now carried together. With a heavy heart, they returned to the house, determined to face the challenges that lay ahead without allowing the specter of their past to cast a shadow over their newfound family.

As Max and Lucianna continued their work in the kitchen, Antrodos cast a sly glance at his son and playfully nudged him. Max blushed slightly, realising his father's intent, and let out a heavy sigh.

Before excusing himself, Max hesitated and looked at Lucianna, his heart pounding with the desire to express his admiration. Gathering his courage, he attempted to flirt with her, his voice tinged with nervousness.

"You know, Lucianna, I just wanted to say that not only are you incredibly beautiful, but you're also one of the kindest people I've ever met," Max confessed, his cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. "You've already done so much for us, and we're grateful to have you here."

Max's compliment was not entirely smooth, but the sincerity in his words touched Lucianna's heart. She smiled warmly at him, her eyes sparkling with appreciation.

"Thank you, Max. That's very sweet of you to say," she replied, her voice soft and gentle. "I'm just happy to be able to help you and your family. You've all been through so much."

Max's blush deepened, and he nodded before quickly excusing himself, leaving Lucianna and Antrodos to finish the cleaning. As he walked away, the memory of Lucianna's radiant smile and her kind words remained etched in his mind, giving him a newfound sense of determination and hope.

Antrodos looked at Lucianna, his expression weighed down with sorrow as he revealed a painful part of their family's history. "Max has had little interaction with anyone outside our family, especially girls his age," he confessed. "Last year, our home was raided by demons. In the horrific chaos that ensued, we lost Max's mother, our faithful maid, and his youngest sister."