Sorry.

  Tightness coiled through Ted’s limbs and chest. He wouldn’t shake, not now. Not after fourteen years. Not here, where nothing could harm him.

  Save the world. That’s all he was here to do.

  Ice stabbed at his chest again and again. The look on his father’s face as he’d pressed his hand to Ted’s chest and—

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Ted’s eyes clenched shut, but the agony kept flooding in, drowning what had to be done.

  Pathetic.

  His shoulders pulled tight and his elbows dug into his sides. He didn’t have time for this. The world needed a solution, not stupid, childish dreams better forgotten.

  No wonder his own father had killed him.

  A weight settled on Ted’s right shoulder. A hand. The same hand that—

  Ted jerked forward, away from his touch, away from memories best left behind.

  “Son… Ted…”

  Ted locked his hands together and bit at his lip. Held back the tears of a child. Why couldn’t he be strong?

  “...I’m proud of you.”