"So to answer your question, Julia. The reason I don't want to rely on my mother all the time doesn't stem from some masculine insecurity. I know she's stronger, more influential, more experienced, everything. She's the full package, so to speak. If depending on Mother meant giving me and my girls a better shot at survival—at gaining immense power and freedom—I'd do it without hesitation."
Julia swallowed, listening with wide eyes.
"But as I explained, this system," Kaiden continued, "was created by the Heavenly Demon. A galactic terrorist who once rebelled against the universe itself. As his potential successor, what do you reckon he'd think if I ran crying to mommy to hide under her skirt every time something went wrong?"
"He would think you're a failure, unworthy of the heritage," it was Vespera who replied in Julia's stead. Her eyes gleamed with understanding now.
