Markris's eyes went from his father's piercing gaze to Ariana hurled behind him, shivering. This image transported him back to a time he had thought he would never have to remember again.

The last time he saw his mother or the idea of the mother, he had it in his head because he had forgotten what she looked like.

No, he pretended he didn't remember what she looked like. It's why his looks were a blessing and a curse. It's why his father was so harsh on him. He looked like the woman that broke his heart.

He remembered that day like it was yesterday. His little six-year-old self heard...