The heavy, suffocating walls around the seven-year-old’s heart shattered into dust. Tears welling up in his dark eyes, Vincent buried his face in Isabella’s neck, his small hands clutching tightly to her gown fabric.Isabella let out a shaky breath and wrapped her arms around Vincent, pulling him tightly against her chest. Asher also dropped to his knees as well, wrapping his arms around Vincent from behind in a tight, protective hug."Don't worry, Vincent," Asher said, his voice ringing with pure brotherly comfort. "We’re here, and we’re never going to let anyone harm you. You’re safe. Mother and Father will protect you, and I’ll kill anyone who tries to come for you."Vincent’s heart wept.A sharp, painful lump formed in his throat as those words washed over him. I tried to kill this boy, Vincent realized, his body trembling beneath their embrace. And yet he’s standing here, ready to kill anyone for me.Was this what family felt like? Safe, warm, and unconditional? Was he wrong the
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