Ethan and Emery looked up at their father, alarm flashing in their young eyes. "But, Father, won't they catch you?" Emery asked, his voice trembling.
Fidel knelt, pulling his sons close. "I won't be gone for long, and I'll be back before you know it. But to protect this city, to keep us all safe, I need to lead them away."
Ciara placed a comforting hand on her sons' shoulders. "Your father is strong and fast. He knows these lands well, and he'll come back to us."
The boys nodded reluctantly, and Ciara shared a steadying look with Fidel. "I'll be waiting," she said softly, feeling the weight of his decision.
Fidel's eyes held hers for a moment, the unspoken promise between them strong. Then he rose, preparing himself for the task at hand. He turned, glancing back only once before disappearing into the shadows.
