Eirik found Kaelix by the small fountain at the edge of the garden, sitting on the stone ledge with his back to the path. His shoulders were slumped, his head bowed, and Eirik could tell from the tension in his posture that Kaelix was struggling to hold himself together.
His heart ached at the sight.
Kaelix was always the one who stood tall, always the one who seemed to carry his burdens with grace. To see him like this, vulnerable, defeated, was more than Eirik could bear. He took a deep breath, gathering the courage to approach, and quietly walked over to sit beside him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sound between them was the gentle trickle of water from the fountain, a quiet melody filling the heavy silence.
"I'm sorry," Eirik said finally, his voice soft and unsure.
