The boy finally spoke, though it was clear how difficult it was for him to put his words together. It was as though he was drawing courage from the deepest part of his heart, then meeting Alaric's gaze with a look that was now firmer.
"My name is Fery," he said, as if to make sure every word was clear. "I've lived with my parents since I was little, and I have a younger brother. We're a complete family."
For a brief moment, a faint smile appeared on his face, but it quickly faded, replaced by deep sorrow. His voice lowered, trembling as he continued. "But... when I was six... my brother, who was two years younger than me, just vanished. He was playing outside the house alone, and when my mother called him for dinner, he was gone. All that was left was his ball and a few scattered toys in the street."
