The next morning, a somber atmosphere hung over the Xion household.
The sun had barely risen, casting long shadows across the courtyard where Alden and Elias stood together. The Xion family, on the other hand, gathered nearby, watching in silence as the two shared their final moments before parting away again.
"Elias…" Alden placed a firm hand on Elias' shoulder, his expression gentle yet filled with the weight of their imminent separation. Despite the strength he exuded as a seasoned knight, there was a tenderness in his gaze that softened the sharp lines of his face.
"Father… you'll come back, right?" Elias asked quietly, his voice betraying the emotions he struggled to contain.
Though Elias had grown over the years, showing signs of maturity, in that moment, he sounded like the child who had long awaited his father's return, for him to just go away, once again.
