"Wine."
Kael took a seat. His posture was straight. There was no stiffness in his body, only calmness.
Zephyr poured two glasses of dark wine. The surface of the liquid reflected the moonlight like a black mirror.
For several heartbeats, neither spoke.
Finally, Zephyr broke the silence.
"You've changed."
Kael held the cup between his fingers. His voice was as calm as the night: "Everyone changes, Father. What remains still, rots."
A fleeting spark crossed Zephyr's eyes. "Wise words. Though not all my children understand them."
He took a sip of wine. The chessboard between them seemed to await them, like a silent witness.
"Do you know why I called you here?" asked the patriarch, his tone unhurried.
Kael looked him in the eye. There was no fear or submission in his gaze, only clarity, and he replied:
"I can guess."
"Then let's guess together... while we drink." Zephyr smiled, barely.
They both drank in silence.
