Page 133 of Xerxes Ascendant
“Which only happened because he was willing to challenge his brother on what he’d done,” Kyle argued.
“Does rejecting one evil balance his committal of others? Can a rapist evince an unstained soul simply because he will not resort to murder?”
“Of course not. But-”
“But because Miles’ crime was againstyou, you forgave it,” said Akira, sounding both fond and exasperated, as he often did with Kyle. “His confidence that night with you was not that of a first-time offender seeking pleasure beyond what was offered.I doubt you’re the first whore he’d set his sights upon, only the other Masters were willing to turn a blind eye such that there are no records to prove it.”
“And the other Masters don’t allow their staff to safe word to clients,” Kyle pointed out stubbornly, feeling his fury surge. He glanced at his boyfriend. “Are they not engaging in rape too?”
Akira suddenly looked very tired. “Indeed. And I call myself Coterie, despite that knowledge, in the thin reassurance that perhaps one day I can persuade them to adopt the ways of House Epsilon.” His tone was bitter, and he made to turn away in his seat.
“Exactly,” said Kyle, taking his hands and tugging him back towards him. “You’re trying to make the world a brighter place, not condemning every person who doesn’t live up to the standard of perfection.”
“So…everyone but you,” Akira muttered. Bless him.
“Is it not our responsibility to show others a better way? To give them a chance tobebetter?”
Akira gave a hollow laugh. “If the ghosts of Benedict Mackenroth and Master Theta appeared before you right now and apologised, would you givethema chance?”
“Yes,” said Kyle. Simply, immediately, and without guile.
Akira stared at him. “Oh, Kyle. You really would, wouldn’t you?”
Kyle grinned back, bemused.
“You know you saved the city, right?” Akira asked, saying more weird things that didn’t make sense.
“Fairly sure that was my cousin. I know we look similar, Master, but there’s some pretty crucial differences between us that I’m gonna have to educate you on-”
“Youdid, Kyle,” Akira insisted. “By showing kindness to someone who did not deserve it.”
“He did deserve it,” Kyle said stubbornly, realising they were talking about Miles Mackenroth again. “He had no one else in the entire world. Should I have turned my back on him too? Let him die?”
Akira gave him a soft, besotted smile. “And thanks to you, Miles not only survived but became a better person.” He reconsidered. “Afractionallybetter person. Not as far gone as his brother, at least, and the Coterie know what to watch out for this time.”
Kyle fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “So that’s it?” he asked. “I do one tiny act of kindness that I’m sureanyonewould have done in my place, it results in a new mayor, and I’m suddenly the hero of Xerxes?” He screwed up his nose. “Tell me there’s more to it than that.”
“Change isn’t always sudden,” Akira reminded him. “And in the absence of planetary destruction this time around, what you did may be enough to effect it.”
“Let’s hope so. But no more talking of me saving things, okay?”
The other man smiled indulgently. “How about my heart and soul? You’re certainly the saviour of those.”
Kyle laughed and kissed him as sappily as he’d spoken. “Who are you, and where’s my uptight, abrasive boyfriend?”
“Hmm.”
“Therehe is.”
Akira’s mouth twitched. “Pest.”
“We’re here,” Kyle pointed out cheerfully, nodding at the window. The car had pulled up at the side of the road. “Remember, your voice now belongs to me.”
IloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyou
-Written across each page of Master Epsilon's work diary (and second diary)
CHAPTER 43
