Ivy led Sandoz gently by the hand as they walked down the gravel path toward the training ground, where a familiar figure stood waiting. The early morning mist still clung to the ground, curling around their ankles like a veil. The moment Sandoz laid eyes on Grandpa Jethru, he froze. Emotion surged through him, raw and sudden. His eyes reddened, his breath hitched—and then he ran.
"Grandpa!" he cried, voice breaking as he flung himself into Jethru's open arms. His grip was tight, almost desperate, as if trying to make up for the years lost.
Jethru held him firmly, steady as a mountain. His broad hand came up to ruffle the boy's hair with practiced affection.
"Sandoz," he said, voice low and warm. "You've grown taller."
From the edge of the training ground, Lara crossed her arms and called out, her voice casual but laced with meaning. "Grandpa, can he join your martial arts school?"
