‘ because you are blackheart’s son. ‘ she moved quietly towards the fire, contemplating how great the pain would be if she simply threw herself into it’s yawning maw — this great old house had the kind of fireplaces that a grown person could walk into and stand up. ‘ and his name spells out his nature, and yours. ‘

‘ i try because you are my son, and if a mother gives up on her son, what is she? i know i am the only one with a heart, even if it is cold and half the size it used to be. i try, because i know nothing else. ‘ swallowing thickly. ‘ i know it means nothing to you. ‘

_{at first there was anger; perpetual rage that coursed through his veins as his eye shot a glare in her direction. he was nothing like his father. the name was nothing more than a name. it was meaningless to him. why would she even assume something like that? ky was many things, but in his mind, he’d never be like him – maybe similar, but never exactly like him. that was impossible.}

_{‘it doesn’t spell out my nature.’ his tone burned icy hot; soothing, but with a rage behind it that would burn anything it came in contact with. ‘not now, not today, and ever. blackheart may be my father, demon blood may course through my veins, but you know what? i’ll never be like him.’ hands formed into tight fists. ‘i won’t sell out just to have some fancy title and position.’ or if he did, it would be due to his own choice… even though it was rare that anyone ever listened to him.}

_{‘i know what i’m capable of and what i’ll do to make sure i don’t turn out like them.’ the only problem was, he was closing himself off to everyone – even himself. eventually, there would be no way to come back from this.} 

_{however, there was a slight pause as his rage cooled – if only for a moment. ‘you think i don’t care… maybe you’re right.’ just not completely. ‘i don’t care about anything… since i can remember… i never have been able to.’}