Ardiel stood frozen for a moment as his father strode toward him.
The man's steps were hurried, almost tripping as he hit his leg on the edge of the table, his emotions clearly overwhelming him.
"You… you're back," his father whispered, his voice trembling before he pulled Ardiel into a tight embrace.
"I am," Ardiel replied softly, hugging him back with equal force.
"I'm sorry it took so long," he murmured, his voice barely steady as he tried to swallow a sob, his grip tightening.
"It's fine… as long as you're here," his father said, his voice thick with emotion.
They stayed locked in that embrace for what felt like a minute, neither wanting to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, Frey wiped his eyes quickly, pretending not to have cried.
He cleared his throat with a small cough, trying to regain his usual composure.
"I see you're the one your brother picked up off the road," he remarked, a faint smile breaking through.
