---- Vince nodded, his chin resting lightly atop her head.

For a moment, he hesitated, as though sifting through the broken fragments of his past.

T wasn't always like this, little one, he began, his voice low and edged with a quiet sadness She pulled back slightly, her brows furrowed in confusion.

What do you mean? Twas a werewolf, he continued, his words deliberate.

I lived in the land of light.

But it seems the light never liked me.

Her fingers instinctively tightened against his side as he scoffed and she blinks in confusion.

Why...

why would you say something like that? Vince let out a heavy sigh, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her closer.

His hold was gentle, protective, as though she might slip away if he let go.

T dont remember my parents, he admitted, his voice thick with an ache he rarely allowed himself to feel L was abandoned when I was five.

Left alone.

No name, no home.

Nothing.

---- Zariyans breath hitched.noveldrama

They put me in an orphanage, Vince continued, his tone soft but steady.

But even there, I didnt belong.

When I was twelve, they threw me out for fightingbecause I hit a boy who was bullying the others.

I thought T was protecting them, but no one cared.

No one ever cared.

His words hung in the air, each one a piece of the broken puzzle that made up his life.

After that, I lived on the streets.

I stole, I beggedI did anything just to survive.

People...

they pushed me around, kicked me, beat me just for fun.

I took it all, little one.

For a penny.

For a scrap of bread.

I did whatever they asked, because what else could IT do? T was just a kid, trying to stay alive.

Zariyan stares at the man, her usually blank eyes flickering with raw emotions.

Emotions she wasn't allowed to show or feel.

T hated myself, Vince admitted, his voice barely ---- Zariyans breath hitched.

They put me in an orphanage, Vince continued, his tone soft but steady.

But even there, I didnt belong.

When I was twelve, they threw me out for fightingbecause I hit a boy who was bullying the others.

I thought T was protecting them, but no one cared.

No one ever cared.

His words hung in the air, each one a piece of the broken puzzle that made up his life.

After that, I lived on the streets.

I stole, I beggedI did anything just to survive.

People...

they pushed me around, kicked me, beat me just for fun.

I took it all, little one.

For a penny.

For a scrap of bread.

I did whatever they asked, because what else could IT do? T was just a kid, trying to stay alive.

Zariyan stares at the man, her usually blank eyes flickering with raw emotions.

Emotions she wasn't allowed to show or feel.

T hated myself, Vince admitted, his voice barely ---- above a whisper.

T didnt know why I was even born.

Life...

it was too hard.

Too cruel.

His voice faltered, his eyes distant as though seeing a younger version of himself standing on the edge of despair.

But then...

I found something, he said, his tone shifting, softer now, almost reverent.