~November 2025 Vaight Manor~

"Look Vaight," Nicolas said seriously. "I know there is no love lost between us, but I would rather be kissed by a Dementor than to let something bad happen to my cousin and her son. They are the only family I have left. I would do anything for them."

He looked away. "Even if that meant stepping aside to let you take over. "

Darien gave Nick a calculating stare.

"But...how the hell would I even get there? Where the hell would it be? And what if it all goes wrong?!"

"Dammit Darien grow some backbone!" Nicolas yelled.

He calmed himself up. "Alright you know what? Here." Nicolas waved his wand and a card with writing appeared. "If you want to do this, this meaning my proposal, go here. I'll arrange everything. If you don't come, I'll know what your answer is."

Nicolas turned to leave.

Darien glared. "It's not backbone I have the problem with."

He accepted the card and twirled it between his fingers.

...He...held his future in his hands? What was this, a cheesy film?! Bad joke either way. What he really needed to do was...talk to...Diana.

But he couldn't.

He stood up and tucked the card into a pocket. "It might be best if you go out a different way." He called after Nick. "I think that's my dad." He glanced in the direction of a dark shape at the end of the street.

Nicolas nodded and made his way out the other way.

"Um..." Darien paused in the doorway. "Thanks?" It came out like a question.

"I mean, I know you did it for her, not me...but thanks."

"Don't mention it." Nicolas said. Then added as an afterthought, "Though naming the little guy after me wouldn't be a bad way to show your appreciation."

Darien almost smiled. "...Take care..." He left the sentence hanging.