As the shimmering portal opened before Lucian and Samiel, the air crackled with the lingering tension of their departure. Samiel stood firm beside Lucian, the weight of the battle behind them, and the uncertain future ahead.
In the crowd, Nazia, Samiel's mother, took a step forward, her hand reaching out instinctively. She opened her mouth to call out to her son but hesitated, her voice caught in her throat. The fear of losing him again, after everything they had survived, when the war just ended, tightened around her heart.
Before she could speak, a familiar voice echoed softly in her mind—Samiel's voice.
'Don't worry, Mother. I'm just going on a vacation.'
Nazia's breath hitched, her eyes widening in surprise. Her heart pounded, but the tension in her chest slowly eased. Samiel's calm reassurance, though unexpected, filled her with both relief and sadness. She let out a soft, bittersweet laugh, tears slowly welling in her eyes.
