She had asked the question that Archon himself still asked himself - that he still asked her within the holes of his heart that she had willingly created.

There was no need to hide behind the curtain with his sister, was there? He was safe within her company, wasn’t he? Just like we had been safe with fable? His anxiety, like a demon, screaming so loud he flinched.

And it wasn’t untrue, but he was so tired of thinking of her. He looked to his sister. These moments, between them, were so rare. He didn’t want to lie to her; he didn’t want to ruin these moments; didn’t want her to always think that he made things all about himself.

But things weren’t great all the time. His family? Everyone, excluding the sister in front of him right meow, absolutely hated him. His wife? Why, she hated him so damn much that she neglected the children that she bore with him. Yeah sis, things are SO great!

I wish I knew, Archon said softly, his voice cracking. It was the first time he had spoken of it. Sycamore had bore witness, so he didn’t need to speak of it - but Euphemia? An outsider. I wish… I knew. He said softly, again, looking at the sky with a deep inhale.

I left home because I didn’t feel seen, you know. It was always Ma and me, and then came Dad - and that was cool. Then you guys… and it felt like there was no room for me anymore, and that was okay, so I just went on my own way. And that’s how I met fable. And I tried to do what Dad did, tried this whole, I’m ‘An Alpha Thing’ to feel important cus I felt like a no one, Euph. Archon shrugged.

He shook his head. Part of him really did not want to unload all of this onto his sister, because a) what good would it do? It wouldn’t change fable’s mind and even if it did, Archon wouldn’t take her back after the damage done on his children.

She didn’t talk to me like she’s supposed to do and she neglected our children, Euphemia. He said softly, lowering his gaze with a sigh, his tail coming to curl around his paws.

At least two of our daughters have come forward with claims that they feel neglected and unsafe in her presence and I can’t just sit back and ignore that. I don’t want to be that type of parent. I never thought she could hold so much hate in her heart for me, but.. He sighs and shakes his head, allowing his voice to trail off for a time.

.. I wish things were really great as you say - and that I could introduce to you to them, because they could really use a positive role model, but I don’t know where we’ll go, or when the next time it is, that we’ll even see each other is - but I want to go as far away from here as possible. He turned to lift his head, hoping to meet her eyes.

Would she understand the implication?