It had always been Edric's deepest regret not being able to shield Maxim from the curse.
He blamed himself for what had happened.
So now, seeing that the curse had finally been lifted and Maxim had regained his strength, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Edric was the happiest he'd been in years.
Emotion welled up in him unrestrained.
It felt like the heaviest shackle in his heart had finally broken.
Lucien and Maxim gave him space, silently waiting for him to collect himself.
After a long breath, Edric stepped forward and placed both hands firmly on Maxim's shoulders.
"Max… I don't know how the young man pulled it off but one thing I'm certain of... you've never been wrong. Your instincts… your skill… they speak for themselves."
Then he turned to Lucien with eyes full of sincerity. He gave Lucien's shoulder a heartfelt pat.
"Young man, thank you. Truly. Maxim has always been our greatest pride and now he's back. And…"
