129: Tough to Swallow - Part 1

The moon hung high in the sky as Kenith Adveric crept through the dimly lit halls of his family estate. 

The soft padding of his footsteps barely made a sound against the plush carpet, but every creak of the old wooden floorboards sent shivers down his spine. 

His father's study was at the end of the hall—a place he had never been allowed to enter without explicit permission. Tonight, however, he wasn't asking for permission.

Kenith took a deep breath as he approached the heavy oak door. His heart pounded in his chest, but his resolve didn't waver. He had made a choice, and now he had to follow through.

"For once, I'll make my own destiny," he whispered to himself as he slipped a key from his pocket.

He had taken it from his father's desk weeks ago, knowing he'd need it someday. Now, it slid into the lock with a satisfying click.