“Damnnation. All this fucking paper work. I already gave my word I’d take the boy on.” Lord Skylark said heatedly as he sat down and signed the adoption papers of custody of Styx.

Brandon nodded. “I know. I know but you know the law and all. Are you married?”

Lord Styx sighed and nodded. “Yes. I am sadly. I am expecting my first child though in three months or sooner.”

Brandon and Styx shared a look at the six months or sooner comment. But, neither said anything to it.

Lord Skylark finished the signing and came to his feet waving Styx to follow him. “Let’s go little brother. We got to make a go of it. You know.” He said turning to the door.

Styx caught Brandon cover his mouth to keep from laughing. Styx frowned looking at Lord Skylark’s back. “Your hiding something.”

Both Lord Skylark and Brandon stared at him. My father looked at Brandon with suspicious intent.

“I thought you said he was a black.” Lord Skylark said.

“I would thank you, My Lord to speak to me if you’ve got a question to ask.” Styx said.

Lord Skylark shrugged. “Are you using magick on my mind or are you using magic to see into the near future? Either way the Blacks or Shades aren’t known for that kind of magic in your kind.”

Styx glowered at my father looking down his nose at him as if he was a high Lord of the first order. “You have a tell. You didn’t look at me directly when you spoke and your fake Lordly accent slipped a bit at the end. Also Brandon knows something is wrong with you.. What the hell are you afraid of outside that door?”

Brandon laughed his ass-off. “Snarking hell. Boy oh yo has a right quick mind. Reminds me of someone.”

Lord Skylark stared Styx. “Are you a half elf.”

“I’m not a black or elf. I’m a Shade.” Styx said.

Lord Skylark nodded. “Styx Shade. I get that part. But, be honest or I’ll leave you here. Your no more fully Elf or Shade as I am neither fully human or fully Elf.”

Styx shrugged and made a motion with his right hand over his heart. “It is like you said. I’m Styx Shade. Everything else doesn’t matter. I don’t answer to anything else but my own name. Lord Ethan Skylark.”

Lord Skylark saw the motion Styx had done and knew the reason for it. “Agreed.  But, no lies from here on out. We’re family now. As strange as that might be a contradiction-“

“You keep your end. I’ll keep mean. Momma Jinn taught the way of things.” Styx said.

Lord Skylark blinked and nodded his head. “Excellent. So let’s go.” He headed to the door and opened it walking out while Brandon led Styx out.

Styx hand a over his eyes and one hand on Brandon’s bulky forearm.

Lord Skylark frowned waiting outside on the steps for Styx and Brandon to come out with Styx sharing a few words between each other about Momma Finn, Lord Skylark and Mr. Carter. Styx did more listening then any talk.

“What are two doing?” Lord Skylark said stiffly.

Brandon stared at him. “Ethan. He’s day blind. Get your ass over here and help him down to your car.”

Lord Skylark frowned. “Bloody hell. How the-“

“I told you I have cursed eyes damn it. I just need a decent pair of nightshade goggles to see in the day. I’m good to work for you. I’m good. I’ll keep my part to you. I said I would. I will.” Styx said.

Lord Skylark sighed coming up the stairs and laid Styx hand on his forearm. “Let’s go. I’ll get you your goggles and a fresh new suit as well for your raising station in life.” He said opening the door to the limousine for Styx. Styx got inside sliding in as Lord Skylark joined him and closed the door.

“What the fuck is this? You were told to get an apprentice not a mutant elf.”

Styx opened his eyes in the dark limousine to stare at the ebony skinned beauty with long flowing platinum down the back of her Scarlett silk dress. Her eyes were dark and studying Styx in disgust. He looked at her pronounced  pointy ears and tried to get out of the car.

Lord Skylark grabbed his arms. “What the fuck is-“

Styx turned to him. “You knocked up her up didn’t you? Damn nation. Damn it to hell Ethan. You had to knock up a fucking dark heart. A fucking magick kind. She warned you against this. She fucking told what they do to us when we fuck with them.. We always end up dead. Are you mad? Are you crazy?!” He said.

“Excuse me. What the hell is he saying?” The female said in annoyed voice.

Lord Skylark grimanced. “Damn it. Momma Finn taught you everything and told you to many scary stories. She isn’t going to kill me or you. We have an agreement. She’s having my kid. Elfs are kin on their word and agreements. I’ll do right by you. You’ll keep your end up. Right?” He said

Styx stared at him. “Damn nation. You have gone mad.”

“What the hell is going on?”