After the heartfelt breakfast and the emotional conversations that followed, the time had finally come for us to leave.
Seraphiel's mother hugged her daughter tightly one last time, tears shimmering in her mismatched eyes.
"Promise me you'll come back and visit again soon," she whispered, stroking Seraphiel's hair.
"Don't make us wait another three hundred years."
"I promise, Mom," Seraphiel replied, her voice thick with emotion as she hugged her back just as tightly.
"I'll find a way. I swear."
Her father wrapped his arms around both of them, then stepped back and gave me a firm handshake, his silver eyes warm but serious.
"Take care of her, Aestrea. She's our greatest treasure. If you ever hurt her, I'll find a way to cross realms just to kick your ass."
I smiled and nodded.
"I understand. I'll protect her with everything I have."
Seraphiel's mother turned to me next, pulling me into a warm, motherly hug.
