[Leo's POV]
I stood before the capsule, staring at its sleek surface. The faint runes carved into the glass glowed soft blue, pulsing slowly like a heartbeat. Behind me, I could feel them—Mom, Dad, Mia, Lyra. Everyone who believed in me.
Everyone I'd promised to come back to.
The training hall was silent. Even the mana-lamps seemed to dim, like the world itself was holding its breath.
I turned.
Mom stood closest, her hands clasped tight in front of her. Her platinum-silver hair was messier than usual—she'd been running her fingers through it all morning, trying to hide her nerves behind that brave face she always wore.
Those emerald eyes of hers were wet, shimmering, but she was trying so hard not to fall apart. Trying so hard to be strong for me.
I walked over and pulled her into a hug. She melted into me immediately, her arms wrapping around my back, holding on like I might disappear if she let go. Like she could keep me here through sheer will.
