Inside the military base, soldiers stood at attention, their sharp gazes fixed on the young man walking calmly beside the General. Behind them followed his parents, along with several high-ranking officers of the army.
Each of them looked at Thoren with complicated expressions.
Respect.
A hint of awe.
And beneath it all… unease.
Elara walked quietly, her usual liveliness completely gone. Tears clung stubbornly to the corners of her eyes as she gripped her mother's hand tightly, as though afraid that letting go would cause everything to fall apart.
"Don't worry," Serene whispered softly, forcing a reassuring smile onto her face. "Your brother will come back safely."
Her voice was gentle.
Convincing.
But even she did not fully believe her own words.
Who could say for certain?
Who could guarantee that this would not be the last time she ever saw her son?
Beside her, Ardyn's usually stoic expression had begun to crack.
