"Papa."
The small voice echoed softly, its tone warm and innocent—so utterly natural it sent a wave of silence through the air.
Azhriel blinked.
He looked down at the tiny, white-furred creature nestled in his arms, now staring up at him with wide, crystal-blue eyes filled with curiosity and… attachment.
"…Um… hey?" he replied, voice uncertain.
He wasn't exactly experienced in this kind of situation.
Behind him, Cynthia chuckled softly, finally stepping forward. "It's normal. You're the first person it saw when it hatched, and your mana was the first it ever felt."
Azhriel raised an eyebrow, knowing what she was trying to say but a bit lost.
Cynthia smiled gently.
"For creatures like this—especially ones that hatch from such old and powerful eggs—whoever they see first is automatically recognized as their 'parent.'
Cynthia said and continued.
"It's a kind of soul imprint. From now on, it'll see you as its protector, it's family… and in some ways, its own life."
