The quiet of Aphael’s chamber was heavy with sorrow, and as I stood behind Alrael, I could feel the weight of his grief pressing down on both of us. It wasn’t just about his father’s condition… there was a deeper ache, one that lingered in the silences between his words. I had seen that pain before in the rare moments when his guard was down, but here, at his father’s bedside, it was more palpable than ever.Alrael stared at Aphael’s still form as his hand rested gently on his father’s arm. "You should be here," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I should be learning from you, preparing for the future. Not like this."Aphael’s condition was a mystery to everyone. No amount of healing or care had been able to rouse him. The doctors and healers claimed it was linked to the old injury from his battle with Triton, but I wasn’t convinced. An injury like that wouldn’t cause someone to fall into a coma so long. There was something else at play... something darker.I stood silently b
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