Aether bit his lip, deep in thought, staring quietly out into the distance. The wind brushed gently against his face, but his mind was far away, swirling with conflicted thoughts.
Honestly, he wasn't sure what to say.
Sure, he could talk to Liora. He could sit her down, make her listen, and convince her to bend the rules just this once. He could make it easy.
But… this wasn't just a rule. It was something she truly believed in—something she wanted for Kaelen. Aether wasn't a fool. He knew exactly what Liora desired.
She wasn't being cruel. She didn't want a perfect daughter-in-law for her own pride. No... she wanted her son to end up with someone better than herself. Someone strong. Someone fierce. Someone willing to fight for Kaelen—not just once, but for a lifetime.
There was nothing wrong with that. Nothing selfish. Just the love of a mother who wanted to make sure her son wouldn't be abandoned or broken.
