Inside the study… Arceus stood frozen before the window. The restraints binding his wrists had long since drawn blood where he struggled against them.
"No…" His voice barely escaped his lips. "Father..."
Outside… Imperial guards forced Wester onto his feet. Though chained from head to toe… he never lowered his head.
Arceus slammed against the restraining formation once more.
"Release me!"
Golden chains tightened around his body. The Crown Prince remained silent.
Arceus's eyes never left the courtyard. As Wester was slowly escorted toward the manor gates… father and son met each other's gaze one final time. No words were exchanged. None were needed.
The distance between them continued growing. One step. Then another. Until Arceus could no longer endure it.
"Father!"
His voice echoed throughout the shattered manor.
