The glowing stardust in the center of the pavilion settled into three warm, solid figures. The soft golden light filled the starlit garden, illuminating their gentle smiles with breathtaking clarity.
On the left stood his birth mother, Rina, wearing the simple red traveling sash of ancient N'folu, her wild dark hair framing bright, laughing eyes that matched Sagiri's own. On the right stood Bakuru and Rusha, dressed in the sturdy wool cloaks of the northern foothills.
Squad 25 stepped back toward the perimeter of the pavilion, giving their Chief the quiet space he needed. Kaka, Kiuga, Lira, and Kiana watched in solemn silence, their hearts full of deep respect.
Sagiri stood frozen in place, his breath trembling as he looked at the three people who had shaped his life. For sixteen years, he had carried their memory like a heavy, hollow ache, wondering if he had ever truly been loved.
