Ellie clung to him as if she would never let go, her tears soaking into his chest. "Brother!" she cried again, her voice cracking. "Don't you ever do that again! Don't you ever leave me like that!"
Louis's eye glowed faintly, shimmering with the holy fire of Logos. His smile was weary but genuine as he stroked her hair. "I'm here, Ellie. I promise. I did it."
"Louis!" Everestus's voice trembled like thunder muffled beneath stone. He stood a step away, fists clenched at his side, his jaw tight, but his eyes—his silver eyes—shook with unrestrained emotion.
Louis lifted his gaze to his father. "I'm here, Dad."
Everestus crossed the space in two strides, his hand gripping his son's shoulder as though to anchor him in place. His lips parted, but words failed him. The silence was louder than any roar, and in it, a father's pride and fear mingled until at last, he breathed: "You… came back."
Louis's smile softened, his one eye moistening. "Always."
