Chapter 76 The Promise By The Shore

• — Sixteen years ago.
• The sun shone brightly over the wide field. Children ran and laughed as they played, their joy filling the air. Seven-year-old Tristan sat alone at the edge of the field, his head bowed as he traced shapes in the dirt with his finger. His long hair, tied in a single ponytail that hung down his back, gave him a delicate, almost girlish appearance. He preferred being by himself—always had.
• His aunt’s words from the day before echoed in his mind: “You’ll get used to it here. Just give it time.” But Tristan doubted he ever would. Even though his stay here wasn’t permanent, he couldn’t imagine this place ever feeling like home.