Chapter 14

He was covered in splotches of dust from head to toe. Even the collar of his shirt was torn apart. A bright red mark decorated the left side of his cheek, and deep scraps were littered across his hands.

What happened to him?

Why was he here by himself?

I quickly made my way toward the little boy, parting the crowd like the red sea with my large frame. The moment I reached him, I swiftly scooped him off the ground.

Liam reflexively swung his hand toward my face but immediately stopped mid-motion when his eyes widened in recognition. A series of emotions flashed through his eyes, from anger to shock to relief to panic.

Tears brimmed at the corner of his eyes as he incoherently sputtered, "T-that man... O-over there... he w-was... he's t-trying to..."

I never expected to see his previously cold demeanor break down like this.

I caught his flailing hands, not wanting him accidentally hurt himself. "Liam, please try to calm down first. I can't help you like this."

He yanked his tiny fis