"Here."
Hades opened his eyes to find a glass of whiskey extended toward him.
He accepted it and said, "Thanks, Carl."
Carl, his younger brother and Melissa's father, took a seat beside him as the two men basked in the quiet moonlight.
"It was quite a celebration, I must say. Many important figures showed up, even though it was just your birthday," Carl remarked with a smile, his dark brown eyes glancing at him.
Hades chuckled. "We stand at the top among the branch families of Montclair and Fortis. Of course they would show up at a moment's notice." There was no pride in his voice, only amusement.
"I'm surprised you know that and still aren't making a move to dethrone Astortia," Carl said casually, though his words carried weight.
"I have no intention of meddling in the dirty politics those clans indulge in. Rankings are nothing more than superficial satisfaction, a way to feel above others. I have no desire to become part of the Ten Petals."
