Chapter 2: Promises and Good byes

"Promise me that you will never change, that you will always be my dearest siochain.

~Innocent and kind"

The high office in the main office was a minute away from unwanted bloodshed. The soldiers cringed yet again at the sounds of the glass breaking and chaos but none dared to intervene.

Don O'Sullivan sat on the head chair, a frustrated askance look plastered on his wrinkled face as he glared at his eldest son.

"Do you even understand what you're asking for, boy?" He growled.

Killian glared back equally standing his ground

"I am not leaving Serenity behind in the Crystal mansion. Your wives will eat her alive."

"Careful." The Don grounded, "You are talking about your mothers."

Killian scoffed at his words. The wives were far from being a family. Four of them were after the power, his very own biological mother included. The 2nd and the 3rd were already out of the picture. One divorced the other dead.

The first wife of the Don had dedicated her life in servitude of the Lord. What an irony! The husband murders, the wife prays.

"You don't know what happens in the Crystal Mansion, Athair. How could you? You're never home." Killian sneered.

"And how do you expect your training to go if you are a fucking pussy running after your little sister? Do you even have any idea the intensity and brutality that goes there? You won't even have time to think about yourself. How could you care for a 5-year-old?"

"That's for me to figure out. But I am not leaving her in the mansion."

"She will be safer there than to be with you."

Killian smirked before a dark expression bloomed over his features

"You believe that?" He mused before slamming his fist down the dark oak desk. " Mom had tried poisoning her once when she was a fcking three years old. Anushka hid her SOS medicines away when I went out just for two nights. Serenity almost fucking died, she was fucking sick. Your darling little Irina pushed her off the stairs 4 months ago. Nobody noticed she had a high fever until she fucking collapsed. Nobody cared if she was eating or not. Nobody sees the pain that little six years old desperately hide behind her toothy smiles. Nobody!"

"Killian-"

"And you expect me to believe that she is safe there. You never give a fuck about your children. The rest of us have mothers at least but Serenity. Serenity has no one except me and the boys. Your wives are already jealous that you favored Mama Ceres and consummated more than once with her. It's only natural that they try to remove your 'love' child."

"Killian!" Don O'Sullivan roared," I will increase the security and employ the best of the best for her safety-"

"I am not leaving Serenity in the Crystal mansion!"

"Don't make me fcking throw a fcking code on my own blood for your incompetent disobedience, boy."

Killian almost snapped back when a loud knock interrupted them.

"What?" He barked at the door

Both the men turned around as they heard the other person enter. The chiming of trinkets and rosemary beads wrung around in silent prayer as the person's polite smile greeted them.

"Dido?" The Don called out to his first wife.

"Apologies, Mama Dido. I didn't mean to yell at you." Killian bowed in respect and step back.

Dido smiled warmly and waved him off "It's alright, child. I couldn't help but overhear your conversation though. You, two were very loud."

Don O'Sullivan hummed, giving a curt nod," The matter was very trivial. What brings you here, Dido?"

"Oh yes. I came to bid goodbye. Don, I will be leaving for the island tonight itself." She informed.

The Don looked at her surprised "Do you have to? You just arrived two days ago."

Dido smiled, shaking her head "Work awaits me, Don. The southern islands had a lot of casualties from the Tsunami. And there is a lack of nurses in each province. I have to go see it myself."

"Alright, I will drive you to the airport myself."

That was the least the Don could do. Dido deserved better but being the faithful wife she is, she had always stood by him through every thick and thins.

"And ah, I have a proposition to make you both feel better." Dido looked at them airily and continued, " As Killian had said he wouldn't leave Little Serenity in the Crystal mansion. I know what goes inside the house Don, Killian is not entirely wrong but it is also true that he cannot bring the little child in the midst of war. My suggestion is...Let her come with me to the Island. I will take care of her while you are away."

"But-" Killian protested but then he shut his mouth, giving a thought over it again. Mama Dido had left the carnal life of mob and violence a long time ago. She had resorted to the simple living and guidance of the holy spirit in the path of enlightenment. In fact, she had dedicated her life for the poor and unfortunate, opening up Christian institutions, hospitals and homes all in her name. Mama Dido will be a better situation for Serenity. Killian didn't believe in God but he surely did had faith in the oldest mother.

Don O'Sullivan pondered the same way. It was the only negotiator. The training will be so intense, Killian had to forget all everything except his loyalty to the mob. Serenity is the main obstacle between Killian and the mob. The Don had to remove it for the sake of his clan and legacy. And sending her far away from Killian would do.

Killian stared into Dido's eyes for surety. She understood the unsaid doubts behind his sharp gaze. She took the pocket knife from Don's table and gracefully sliced her palm. Fisting it tightly, she holds it out in front of Killian.

"You have the words of Dendra Dido O'Sullivan. No harm will come to Serenity Rose O'Sullivan under my watch. She will be happy, safe, and taken care of. If this oath is broken, I will serve my head in the execution of deception."

The Blood Oath was taken, Killian finally agreed with a heavy heart.

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The boys spend the afternoon with their dearest angel, agreeing to her whims and requests. they even agreed to play doll-house and tea party with obese teddy bears. It could be the last time they ever play together in blissful ignorance. The boys were fated to hold guns before they could even hold toys. It was only with little Serenity that they could experience a glimpse of childhood and how is it like. They were saddened and hurt by the sudden news of her leaving the mansion but it was all for the better and they knew it.

Mama Dido did not allow her to carry any luxury in her small suitcase. Only a few significant pieces which Serenity held very dear are packed. When Killian had argued against it. Dido had calmly explained to him that it was against the rules of her ethic of simplicity. Serenity took with her- a small photograph of the boys and her, playing in the garden; her mother's bracelet which was handed down to her from her maternal ancestry; a tiny miniature statue of a bunny holding a peace sign, Killian's first gift to her on her 1st birthday and a few change of clothes.

Serenity leaned her head against her dearthair mor's chest basking in the warmth of his hard body. She wasn't surprised when Killian had told her she would be leaving with Mama Dido. She never wanted Athair and Killy to fight because of her. although it depresses her that she won't be with Killian for a long time, she was fine as long as they are happy. Mama Dido seldom visited the Crystal mansion, she was not close with her. But she wasn't rude like her other mothers and never abused her. Killian had trusted Mama Dido and she knew it must be something good.

'' What are you thinking, Siochain?"

Serenity looked up at him,'' Killy, will you still be the same Killy I know even after many many years?''

Killian smiled but it didn't reach his eyes,'' Yes, except that I might grow a big fat mustache like Athair.''

Serenity shook her head,'' No, please promise you will never change. I don't want you to be like Athair, he doesn't come home, he ignores me and he doesn't love me. I don't want you to be like Athair''

''I promise you, I will never change, I will always come home, never ignore you and always take care of you. But in return I want you to promise me that you too will never change, that you will be my dearest Siochain- innocent and kind.''

Serenity grinned and raised her two fingers ''Okay, I promise.'' she chirped

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The Don watched the boys and Serenity play in the garden from balcony of his conference chamberhall. He let them be for the day. He could see how much they adored the little girl, the boys seemed livelier and.....happy. The child truly did live up to her name, she brings serenity wherever she goes. He had his very own reasons- a very selfish one at that, for all these dramas. He never loved any one of his wives, he could not....

But he definitely did had a soft corner for his children especially Little serenity although he would never voice it out. His wives were already envious that he bedded Ceres more than once and they had pulled more than enough tricks to get Serenity out of their way. If he showed any difference to the child, God forbids what they would do.

Ceres was his childhood friend, the one who knew everything about him but still was hopelessly in love with him. And she had only asked for one thing in return- to be given a chance to carry a paragon of her love for him, his child. How could he not? He was indebted to her for as long as he could remember. She stood by him when he was at his weakest or when he discover who he is. She had wiped his tears, cheered at his achievements and always guided him. He had loved her not as wife but as a friend. And it has cost him a lot, her death

He was not ready to let history repeat himself, he was not ready to lose the only reminder of Ceres for him. He had to take up extreme measures now and he knew it will break a lot of hearts but it was only for the safety of his family.

"Sir, You asked for me"

The don turned to the man, giving a curt nod in acknowledgement.

"Consigliere Keanne. i need you to do something for me."

Keanne waited for his next command but what The Don said shocked him

"During the trainings, I want Killian to be brainwashed."

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Dearthair mor- big brother

Siochain-Peace

Athair- Father

Thank you for reading, dear chupacabras!

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