Awake: The Royal Palace

"You still left."

Another silence.

Aeloria, who had remained composed throughout, finally moved closer.

Her slender fingers ghosted over Zareth's forehead, brushing his hair back in a gesture so painfully tender it made his chest ache.

"You don't have to explain anything right now," she murmured, her voice softer than he remembered. "You're here. That's what matters."

Zareth's lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something.

To argue. To apologize.

But before he could—

His father spoke.

"You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Zareth." Elora said.

The words were simple. Steady.

But they cut through the tension like a blade.

Zareth turned his head slightly, looking up at the his father.

His father's gaze held no disappointment, no expectations—just quiet certainty.

Zareth wanted to believe him.

But he didn't answer.