Zein flinched slightly at Radia's words, even after readying himself for the news.
Father.
It was a sensitive word for him. He had been denying that word all his life, first by refusing to acknowledge that terrible man as his father. Which, thankfully, wasn't his real father.
But that didn't mean he was glad for the alternative, knowing that his real father was someone who imprinted his mother and took her away from his friends, put her in danger whilst pregnant, and resulted in her ending up in the red-zone with a man who had filth for his heart.
He had no idea whether he would end up with a worse version of a man than Marshal Tadros.
Looking at the guide's hard gaze, Radia smiled solemnly, and spoke in a calm tone. "As I said, it's only a hint. I haven't actually started to look for him yet."
"Then..."