Xavier held Aric close for a moment longer, the silence between them weighted, heavy with years of things unsaid. Finally, he let go, stepping back slowly, his hand lingering on Aric's shoulder.
In the brief gap before Xavier pulled away completely, Aric's expression shifted, sealing back into the stoic mask he wore so well. The flicker of vulnerability was gone, buried under a cold calm, his face impassive, unreadable.
Xavier noticed, his brow lifting slightly. He gave Aric's shoulder a final squeeze, a small, wry smile twisting his lips.
"You'll make a fine emperor," he murmured, the words carrying a gravity that left no room for doubt.
He turned, taking a few steps towards a table at the edge of the room. His hand passed over the carved wood, fingers tracing a dusty artifact resting atop it, a small relic of dark stone with intricate markings worn from time. He picked it up, turning it over thoughtfully, the stone's dark surface gleaming dully in the lamplight.
