Ryden rushed into the room like a storm, his cloak trailing behind him. His eyes locked onto Veon—collapsed, trembling, drenched in sweat and sorrow.
"Veon!" Ryden dropped to his knees, gripping his son's shoulders tightly. He shook him gently but desperately. "Veon, look at me. What's going on? Where's Kaen?"
Veon slowly lifted his tear-streaked face. His lips quivered. His voice came out like a whisper laced with guilt and heartbreak.
"Father… Kaen…"
Ryden's eyes widened. "No… don't say it—don't say it, Veon."
"I couldn't protect him," Veon cried, breaking down. "I couldn't protect my little brother. I was right there… and I couldn't move. I—"
His voice cracked. His fists clenched. He lowered his head, broken.
At the entrance of the room, Auren stood frozen. The light from the hallway fell over his face, but his eyes were dark, clouded with shock.
"Kaen?" Auren whispered.
His knees weakened. Tears slid silently down his cheeks.
The name echoed in his ears again.
"Kaen…"
