Opening up

*The memory faded.*

Jayden gasped, his body jerking as he snapped back to reality. His glowing eyes flickered, dimming slightly. His claws began to retract. His breath still came in heavy pants, but the overwhelming, uncontrollable rage had begun to subside.

Emric watched the change happen, his expression softening.

That moment, he understood.

Jayden wasn’t just a fighter. He wasn’t just a troubled kid who bullied others for control.

He was *neglected*. A boy who had spent his entire life starved for love—ignored by a father who never cared, desperate to *take* from others what he had never been freely given.

But now… he was learning. Growing.

"That memory you just recalled?" Emric’s voice dropped to a quiet whisper. “Hold onto it. Hold onto *her*. And hold onto that toy she gave you. Because whenever you feel lost… you already know how to find your way back.”