EIGHT YEARS AGO
Rain battered the windshield in thick, violent sheets as the car tore through the winding roads of Blackthorn Hill.
Damien sat in the backseat of the car, looking out the window as the scenery passed by. His father, Carlisso, sat beside him, occasionally glancing at him with a warm smile.
"Why do I have to go visit Sebastian, Dad?" Damien asked, his voice laced with a hint of reluctance. “He’s halfway across the world.”
"Because, Damien, family is everything, his wife just died,” Carlisso replied, his voice firm but gentle. "Sebastian needs you right now, and it's your job as brothers to be there for each other."
Damien looked up at his father, his eyes searching for answers. "But why can't he come here instead? The whole family is here, he’ll get all the support he needs.” Damien raised a brow.
Carlisso's expression turned serious. "Because, son, sometimes people need to get away from the chaos of our world. Sebastian is dealing with a great loss, and being here might
