The Lycan Runes

Compromise

(11 Years Ago)



Aqua knocked on the heavy oak door of her father’s office, Kieran hovering nervously behind her.

“Dad, we’re here!” she called.

“Maybe he is busy?” Kieran whispered hopefully. He turned as if ready to bolt.

Aqua caught the anxious frown on his face and tugged him gently back by the hem of his t‑shirt.

“You’re going to be fine. I’m here for you,” she assured him.

“Aqua, I want to believe you, but I can’t help feeling nervous about this meeting. I warned against this almost every day,” he murmured.

“How about I make you a promise?” Aqua offered. “Whatever my dad decides for you… if you need to escape, I’ll help you.”

Kieran blinked. “You would seriously help me leave, even if it goes against your father’s wishes?”

“I honestly don’t think it’ll come to that,” Aqua said. “But if you feel like you need to go, I’ll help you every step of the way.”

His shoulders eased, and he gave her a soft, grateful smile.

“Aqua, I’m just worried your dad is going to propose something that stops me from searching for the rest of the runes. My gramps warned me that humans might interfere — put me in the foster system, which I was told to avoid at all costs.” His voice tightened. “I can’t postpone looking for the runes. Now that I have your tracker, I need to find them. I’m so close to getting my family back.”

“Okay. I understand.” Aqua squeezed his hand. “I’ve got your back. It’ll be okay.”

Kieran squeezed back and nodded.

“Come in!” Yamato’s muffled voice called.

Aqua released Kieran’s hand and pushed the door open. Her father sat behind his enormous oak desk, typing furiously.

“There! I just sent an email to your school, Mount Elbert High,” Yamato announced proudly. “I think there’s a good chance we can get Kieran enrolled this coming September!”

Aqua’s stomach dropped. This was exactly what Kieran feared.

“Dad, you didn’t have to do that!” she blurted.

“Yes, sir. There was no need for that,” Kieran echoed.

“What are the two of you going on about?” Yamato frowned. “Are you saying that I, as an adult, should disregard the orphan child in my midst and leave him to the wolves?”

“Yes, please,” Kieran said immediately. “I like wolves.”

Aqua bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“Kieran, that’s not what Dad means,” she whispered.

“Oh… okay.” He still looked confused.

Yamato stared at him. “Did I hear you correctly, young man? You would rather I leave you alone in the woods to fend for yourself?”

“No, that’s not what he means,” Aqua cut in quickly. She needed to redirect this before her father adopted Kieran on the spot. “I think Kieran is trying to tell you he’s not actually an orphan.”

Yamato raised a brow. “Did I misunderstand your situation at dinner? Your grandfather passed away, and you’ve been living alone in a desolate cabin for months, correct?”

Kieran sputtered. “Um, yes… I am alone… but not really. It’s sort of hard to say… I—my gramps—he said not to do this?”

Aqua jumped in before he could dig himself deeper. “Dad, why don’t we sit down and talk this out? Kieran is really bad at explaining stuff.”

Yamato gave them both a discerning look, then nodded. “Of course. Sit.”

Aqua and Kieran sank into the plush leather chairs.

“So,” Yamato said, folding his hands, “tell me what I missed.”

“Kieran still has family in Chestnut Bay,” Aqua began smoothly, “but they can’t take him in right now. They’re struggling financially, and he’s still grieving. They agreed to give him a year before he rejoins them.”

Yamato tapped his fingers thoughtfully. “Chestnut Bay… Are you originally from there?”

“Born and raised, sir—uh, Uncle Yamato,” Kieran corrected himself.

“Chestnut Bay has one of the best nickel mines around,” Yamato mused. “I go there often to renew contracts.”

“Yes! I’m actually from the mines,” Kieran said brightly.

Yamato nodded slowly. “Ah. That explains the financial strain. Crimson River Enterprises’ acquisition of the mines was brutal. I’ll admit the previous CEO of Elderwood Mines was a hothead, but at least he was business‑savvy.”

“You’ve met Lucas Reginald?” Kieran asked.

“Yes. Hair‑trigger temper, but easy to buy off,” Yamato said.

“Grampa Knox worked under him,” Kieran added.

“I imagine wages were cut, benefits slashed, jobs lost,” Yamato said sympathetically.

“Yes, sir. It’s one of the reasons my gramps left Chestnut Bay,” Kieran said quietly.

“Hm… I’m beginning to understand.” Yamato leaned forward. “At any rate, I would be honored if you allowed my wife and me to take guardianship of you until you’re eighteen. It would help me repay my debt to your grandfather.”

Kieran’s eyes widened. “That’s so generous… but I can’t accept. It’s too much, Sir.”

“Kieran,” Yamato said gently, “first, stop calling me ‘sir.’ Call me Uncle Yamato. And my wife is Auntie Crystal.”

“Yes, s—Uncle Yamato,” Kieran corrected.

“Second, it’s not too much. I have the means, the space, and the desire to help you. Sometimes accepting help is necessary.”

Kieran looked helplessly at Aqua.

“Dad… he just misses his family,” she said softly.

“I do,” Kieran whispered. “I miss them a lot.”

“We’re not replacing them,” Yamato assured him. “We’re offering a temporary solution while your relatives get back on their feet.”

“Maybe Kieran just needs time to think,” Aqua suggested.

“That’s fair,” Yamato agreed. “Why don’t you think about it over the summer holidays? Stay in the guest suite. If you still want to return to Chestnut Bay in September, I’ll know I did everything I could.”

“How long is a summer holiday?” Kieran whispered loudly.

“Two months,” Aqua mouthed.

Kieran thought for a moment, then stood. “Uncle Yamato, I think I would like that very much. Thank you for your generosity.”

“Excellent!” Yamato clapped and shook his hand. “I think you’ll enjoy staying with us.”

Aqua grinned and patted Kieran’s back. Yamato shot her an appreciative look.

“Aqua, show Kieran to the west wing. His room should be ready.”

“Will do. Good night, Dad!” She kissed his cheek.

“Oh — and take him clothes shopping tomorrow. Ask your mother for the platinum credit card.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice!” Aqua chirped.

“I can’t think of anyone better for the job,” Yamato teased.

“What’s a platinum credit card?” Kieran asked, confused.

“Only the best thing in the world to have in your wallet,” Aqua said with a cheeky grin.

“Of course, you and your mother are cut from the same cloth,” Yamato muttered.

“I heard that!” Aqua called.

“I wasn’t quiet, was I?”

“Nope. And you’ll pay for it at the mall tomorrow. Good night!”

She shut the door behind them, hearing her father chuckle.

“I still don’t know what a platinum credit card is,” Kieran reminded her.

“I’ll explain later. Come on — let me show you your room.” Aqua linked her arm with his and led him down the hall.