“It’s just how it is,” Hades muttered back. Hades cleared his throat. “What about Hythlodaeus? I can be Father...” He had been Father in the past, and it was comfortable enough to hear, especially in their mother tongue. And a dragons’ vocal chords were well suited to speak Amaurotine.

Hades stared at the child, getting on his knees and outstretching an arm. He turned his palm up, conjuring a small bowl of bone broth. He felt like he was appealing to a small animal...But being a father had made him feel that way before. They were all held prisoner by the mushy whims in their developing brains.

“Azeyma...” he said sweetly, trying to coax him over.