The loud and pressuring voices echoed in a little boy's mind. Constantly shouting and screaming to fight and fight TAKE THE SWORD! KILL THE BEAST! COME ON KID! JUST KILL IT!

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

KILL IT KILL IT

The voices echoed endlessly, it felt as if the boy was falling down an endless void of his thoughts.

What should I do.... If I were to run away.... they'd be disappointed in me.... why do I have to fight...? I want to go home...I can't kill him.... If only.... I could feel safe in her arms once again....

The sound of shattered glass broke the silence and distant cries of the young boy in a corner, before the boy was able to even move an inch, there was a woman in front of him.

"Raine! Are you alright!?!" the woman rushed to the sobbing boy, kneeled down and rested her hands on his shoulders pulling him into a tight hug. The boy's eyes were stuck in a traumatized expression, he didn't even react to the sound of glass shattering before him "Are you hurt anywhere?" the woman whispered, as her grip on the boy tightened. Slowly and painfully he muttered "I'm fine.... Iris, please.... don't tell anyone about this...."

"But-" the boy held on her sleeve tightly, interrupting her pitiful words, he breathed heavily as he looked at her in fear. "Please.... just...please...." the boy started to weep, as he buried his face in her arms he clung to her sleeve, begging and pleading not wanting to let go. For every tear that dripped down his face the more he felt his heart ache. It had been years since someone held him, to the point he'd feel safe. Even if it wasn't his mother.

How long would this suffering end? When will 'Raine' finally come over his thoughts? And why was he thinking of that memory.

"Raine." The librarian, Iris Esper gave a worried expression as she called out his name. Amadeus Raine Atreus is the son of Duke Raxalus Atreus. Raine bore his father's pale skin, and green eyes that glimmered like emeralds. While also having his mother's black silky and curly hair. Despite being the Duke's son, Raine wasn't treated fairly as a child of nobility. He never liked parties, never liked the whispers and yet... he was still willing to prove himself. Prove that one day, he'll be as great as his brothers and father.

One day......just one day....

"I know it's too early but...you must tell your father" Iris continued, "Surely there's another way to this".

"And what if there is no way?" Raine lowered his head, "It was obvious from the start. I'm not qualified to suit his standards".

"And if he found out that you've been helping me, he won't show you mercy..."

Iris didn't bother replying, she knew that Raine had a reason to want to run away. She knew it from the moment he barged in the library where she worked, he had nowhere to go. She stared at him, remembering the times he'd visit her, bringing her treats and such. He'd always have that sweet smile on his face. The smile that looked pure and genuine.

But that young and sweet boy was gone, following the death of his kind mother. How could anyone take such a precious smile away?

"Iris...I'll be gone for a while" the boy added, causing the librarian's eyes to widen "I'll go far away. I may not know much that has happened outside of Arcelia, but...I hope you live a long but good life" there it was again, that feeling.... of a bittersweet goodbye. Was it always this gut wrenching? For five years I've spent...working in this library......I didn't think I'd have to see my favorite visitor and reader, leave.

"Miss Iris! Miss Iris! Can I please buy this book?"

And I still remember the look on his face, his smile gave me a nostalgic feeling......I wonder if I'll ever get to see that smile again.