He straightened, kneeling up on the seat, and reached forward to cup Kael's face between both hands. He held him gently but firmly, palms pressing on his golden dragon's cheeks like he needed to make sure the dragon was looking only at him.
Riley found it amusing how that would've been unthinkable days ago, and yet now he's out there doing something outrageous.
Kael's golden eyes widened, startled. The confident twig smiled at him, sincerity glowing in his expression.
"None of that is on you," Riley said. "In fact, except for that monster, I think everyone else just acted based on what they believed was right at the time."
He kept Kael's face steady, both thumbs resting just below his eyes.
"And yes, a lot has been lost. But I also believe that going through all of that is what let me become who I am today."
He took a breath, steady but soft because it sounded so cliche and yet oh so true.
