Zaruki's chest tightened at Lang's bitter tone. Somewhere deep inside, he understood he should comfort him—but without any experience, he froze.
"A friend," he finally said, voice low.
"Oh?"
Lang's chest soured. Without another word, he strode forward, seized Zaruki's hand, and began leading him briskly out of the cave.
He tried so hard to keep their walk casual.
But neither of them could mask their faces.
"How long have you known each other?"
"I can't remember. Years?"
"What's her name?"
"Liliana."
"How did you two meet?"
Zaruki's steps slowed. Lang matched his pace instinctively. His ears felt hypersensitive—picking up every breath, every subtle hitch in Zaruki's lungs.
Then their eyes met.
Zaruki's gaze softened—and that only made Lang's panic deepen.
"She found me... among the broken eggs of my brothers and sisters. Took me in and practically raised me. I should be calling her mother. But after I found my mountain, our relationship changed to one of friendship."
