The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the courtyard of Zephyros, but it did little to warm the heavy hearts gathered there.
Eirik stood with Kaelix by his side, the weight of impending separation hanged in the air as his family from Valeidio prepared to leave. He blinked rapidly, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill, but the emotions were too palpable, too raw.
"I wish you didn't have to go," Eirik said softly, his voice thick with emotion as he clung to his twin brothers, Julian and Lucian. The two men embraced him tightly, and Eirik could feel the weight of the moment in their touch.
Julian, ever the joker, tried to hide his tears behind his usual teasing grin, but his voice wavered. "Hey, don't cry too much, little brother. You'll make us look bad," he quipped, but the crack in his voice betrayed him.
