Summoning his strength, the blonde man pushed himself to his feet, his legs wobbling like a newborn fawn's.
He placed a hand on a nearby tree for support, his golden curls catching the faint sunlight filtering through the leaves.
After steadying himself, he straightened and began brushing off his clothing, his expression tightening into one of resolve.
"Father will know," he muttered again, as though repeating it would solidify it as truth.
He adjusted his coat, took a deep breath, and started forward, his steps quickening.
But after just a few strides, he froze mid-step, his entire body going rigid as his eyes widened in shock.
"No," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
His hand instinctively reached for his chest, as if clutching at something that was no longer there.
A wave of cold realization washed over him.
The connection.
