His own son had made his choice, and Echel had lost not only his beloved child but also his dignity. He had to accept it all, for there was no turning back now.
Echel and Reed were quite alike; their offspring had defied their wishes, and they both chose to accept it, even though it cut them to the core. Lyle couldn't understand their behavior, yearning deep in their hearts yet standing far off to watch.
In their souls, the friction between will and reality ruled them, making them endure the pain and accept everything.
Life is a series of compromises.
They were Kings, sovereigns who governed all their subjects, and, of course, they were well versed in this regard.
Life and death, obsession and compromise, had built thorny high walls in their world.
Reed watched his child from within the wall, silently praying for blessings.
