LIORA'S POV
I stared down at my trembling fingers as the Hearthstones walked in. My father’s voice cut through the silence.
“Liora.”
I froze, unable to look up, unable to respond.
“Daughter.”
It was the second time he called me that, and this time, my chest tightened. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill.
“As a father, I failed you,” he began, his voice heavy with regret. “I wasn’t supportive—I was judgmental. I didn’t protect you the way I should have.”
He took a shaky breath, his voice breaking as he continued.
“I’m sorry for putting you through such a traumatic childhood. You can decide never to speak to me again—I deserve it.”
The tears I’d been holding back began to roll down my cheeks. My mother was already wiping her own tears, and even Nikolai looked away, pretending something in the corner of the room was suddenly very interesting.