Caius

It was dark but as Erasmi watched the young boy march out confidently and stand between him and the lady, he could not help but be amazed at the child. This was Caius. His son. He was so brave. Standing there. Protecting the woman he called his mother.

Even though he was taken aback at his son's unexpected appearance, Erasmi could not help but feel proud. The boy's defiant stance, despite the fear in his eyes, struck a chord within him. He crouched down to be at eye level with Caius, a sincere expression on his face.

"Caius, right?" Erasmi spoke gently, "My name is Erasmi Frost."

Caius squinted at him, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Why are you here? What do you want? Are you here to trouble my mother like those bad people?"

He glanced at Mrs. Mercer who stood behind the child and then back at the boy," No. I'm not here to trouble your mother. I'm here to help her. I'm a friend."