They all knew that what was done had to be done. That didn't take away some of the pain. He had lost a child: one of his more gentle, more tender children - yes - but Lochlan had liked Mackenzie's sweet naivety in a way. He thought, sadly, that she wasn't meant to be a Riddle. The name burdened her. Often he found himself wondering how long she would last in her endeavour.

Tears fell over his hand, which was pressed against his face. He was crying very openly.

Unlike his Grandfather (and Father, actually), Lochlan believed in the expression of emotion where it was due. He believed that the suppression and rejection of feelings - such as love - were actually a weakness in the Riddle blood line. So, there he was. Showing love.

"Malia." He said, lifting his head a fraction and opening his arm to her, so they could embrace.

@Malia Riddle @Astraea Black @Delilah Riddle

Ha. Little ol' Mackenzie had met her fate. To Astraea, this was just an example of the universe doing its thing. She honestly didn't get why her incompetent self was chosen to carry out the Death Eater mission or whatever. She, personally, wasn't a member of the faction, yet she found everything she had heard regarding her ill-fated cousin to make no sense.

"Ding dong the witch is-"

Oh.

"Sorry for your loss?"