Chapter 6 — The Heir in the Light
The Kane estate rose quietly above the city, a fortress of black stone softened by vast gardens and precise symmetry. London still carried the wounds of the ten year war between Avalon and Saint, but the estate showed only faint scars, standing as a deliberate refusal to bend to chaos. Inside its walls, anticipation tightened the air. Today, Mason Kane would be shown to the world.
At six years old, Mason clutched his mother's hand. His small fingers pressed into Diane's palm as his blue eyes darted between photographers adjusting lenses, journalists whispering, and aides aligning microphones and cameras. His blonde hair fell into his eyes, pale against the dark jacket tailored for him. Diane bent slightly, brushing the hair back with a gentle smile.
"You're ready," she whispered, though tension slipped into her voice. "Just breathe. You're with me."
Mason swallowed and nodded. The hall felt enormous. Black and gold paneling lined the walls, and above the podium the Kane sigil was carved deep into stone, a serpent devouring its tail, watching everything in silence.
Tatiana, the family's Russian maid, crouched beside him and adjusted his cuffs. "Do not worry, little master," she said softly. "If it becomes too loud, look at me. Everything else is only noise." Her warm eyes met his, and Mason managed a small smile.
At the top of the marble staircase, Richard Kane appeared. Tall. Unyielding. His hands rested behind his back, his dark suit sharp and immaculate. He said nothing, yet the room aligned itself around his presence. Mason's grip tightened, but Richard gave a slight nod, acknowledging him without breaking his composure.
The press conference began with the shuffle of papers and the click of cameras. An aide stepped forward and introduced Richard with practiced formality.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Richard said, his voice calm and effortless. "Today, we introduce the next generation of the Kane lineage. This is Mason Kane."
Silence followed. Mason's stomach twisted as eyes fixed on him, curiosity mixed with unease. Diane squeezed his hand. Tatiana's palm settled firmly on his shoulder, steady and reassuring.
A journalist stepped forward. "Mr Kane, how do you intend to guide him, given the state of the world?"
"Mason is a child," Richard replied evenly. "He will be raised with discipline, guidance, and understanding. Beyond that, his future will be his own."
Another voice followed. "Will he inherit your position immediately, or is this symbolic?"
Richard's mouth curved slightly. "Titles without purpose are meaningless. Mason will earn his place through action, not inheritance."
Mason shifted, his fingers fidgeting. Diane leaned down. "Hold your head high. Just a little longer."
He straightened, shoulders stiff, but a faint pride showed in his eyes.
Questions came quickly after that, layered with fear disguised as curiosity. Richard answered each with control, never rushing, never offering more than necessary. Every pause was intentional. Mason's gaze flickered between his father and the crowd, but Diane's presence anchored him.
After nearly an hour, the room began to empty. Mason stepped down and released a breath he had been holding. Diane knelt beside him, brushing his hair back again.
"You did wonderfully," she said. "I am proud of you."
Tatiana smiled warmly. "Very brave, little master. Braver than most adults."
Richard watched from a short distance, his expression unreadable. "Today was necessary," he said quietly. "The world must see what is coming. And we must understand it ourselves."
Diane nodded, her attention still on Mason. "The world will watch him grow," she said softly. "Ready or not."
At the edges of the hall, unseen figures observed. Three agents of the International Ability Regulation Agency. One bent reality enough to vanish entirely. Another moved between shadows with predatory precision. The last watched openly, his abilities refined to impossible levels. They recorded every detail the public would never notice.
As the family turned to leave, Mason hesitated. "Father," he asked, voice small. "Do I have to do that every day?"
Richard looked down at him. His eyes softened, just slightly. "No. Today was a beginning. Not a habit. You will not be pushed into what you are not ready for."
Mason relaxed, relief washing over him. Diane squeezed his hand. Tatiana smiled again.
As they walked away, Diane brushed a hand across her stomach, the faint curve barely visible. Richard noticed. His eyes narrowed with understanding. Diane smiled quietly.
"Another will come," she whispered, unheard by Mason.
Richard said nothing, but the message settled between them. The Kane lineage would continue.
Outside, London lay beneath pale gray skies, scarred but standing. And across the world, unseen eyes lingered on a six year old boy carrying a name few could bear.