356 Netra vs Vant

"My little girl's all grown up…" Sighing, Bradok happily took Ania's hand. Once on his feet, he pulled her in for a hug, now calmly holding her as tears began to fall. "I'm so glad you're alright."

"Of course I'm fine, Dad. I'm not your weak, baby girl anymore," Ania mentioned, also enjoying the tender embrace.

With a shake of his head, Bradok replied, "I… You're right. But you'll always be my little Ania. And you look… so much like your mother. I knew you'd get more than her tolerance for alcohol."

"That's enough, Dad. Come on, we should head to the palace. I--"

"Right! I need to show you off--" THWACK!

"Dad. That's not why I came. But we need to go meet up with Vloz and the others at the palace."

"Oh, they're here?!" Immediately forgetting the slap, excitement flashed across Bradok's eyes. "You found the brat?!"

Ania promptly turned her father toward the exit, adding, "Hurry up. I'll explain everything after we get there."