Chapter 17 The Past That Couldn't Be Rekindled

• “Aelries!” he called out with cheerful warmth, as if greeting an old friend after a few days apart. “Hahaha! It's good to see you again!”
• He stood, arms spread as though expecting her to rush into them. As if he hadn't abandoned her. As if he hadn't disappeared for ten long years.
• Aelries's heart clenched so hard it felt like her ribs might shatter. Her feet stayed rooted to the floor, her body frozen as a storm of emotion swelled inside her.