CYNRIC stiffened at first, startled by the unexpected embrace. He stood frozen for a second, his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. But then, slowly, the tension began to drain from his body. He let out a shaky breath he had not realized he was holding and leaned into the hug, resting his head against his brother's shoulder. After another moment, he lifted his arms and wrapped them around Wulfric in return, holding on just as tightly.
They stayed like that for who knew how long. It was not just a simple hug. It felt like they were finally making up for all the years they had missed, for all the times they had needed comfort but did not know how to ask for it or give it. There were no words, but in that silence, they were saying everything they had never been able to say before. They were forgiving each other. And maybe even forgiving themselves.
