The grand reception hall was quiet when Kiara entered. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, and the air carried a faint, pleasant scent of incense. But none of it mattered to her.
The moment she saw Arceus step through the doorway, everything else faded.
"Arceus."
She didn't wait for him to speak. She crossed the room in quick steps and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. Her face pressed against his chest as she breathed in his familiar scent.
"I missed you," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "So much."
Arceus smiled and wrapped his arms around her without hesitation. One hand gently stroked her silver hair.
"I missed you too."
They stayed like that for a while, neither of them in a rush to let go. After everything that had happened, just holding each other felt like enough.
Eventually, Arceus chuckled softly.
"If you keep hugging me like this, we'll still be standing here when dinner starts."
