A ghost of Darius Valen, the legendary commander- stood before them, his gaze steady and yet carrying an unmistakable warmth.
At the first sound of his voice, Bennet stiffened, his breath getting caught in his throat. A shiver ran down his spine as the sheer reality of hearing his father again struck him like a hammer and a surge of emotions clawed at his chest.
Seraphina's fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress, her other hand instinctively reaching for Bennet's as her breath also hitched.
The weight of hearing his voice after so long pressed down on them both, raw and unexpected, as the warmth in Darius's tone made the loss feel fresh again, cutting deeper at the wounds they had thought they were prepared for.
"I wish I could have been there to guide you guys and see you all once again, but fate had other plans," Darius spoke, his voice rich with emotions.
A lump formed in Bennet's throat as he grasped Seraphina's hand tightly.
