Relief

Lassim was taken aback by Hallen's declaration. The dim glow of the cabin's single lantern cast deep shadows across his guardian's face, underscoring the gravity of his words. "You gave up your position... for me?" Lassim's voice was a mix of confusion and concern.

Hallen nodded, his gaze fixed on the rough wooden table between them. "Yes, I did," he admitted, the lines of his face etched with sadness that had worn into his features over the years. "After you disappeared, I couldn't just carry on as if everything was normal. We completed our contract with the Aetheria Prince and Princess, but I felt as if I'd failed you profoundly—as if I'd let my own nephew be kidnapped or worse—killed."