Despite his bleak situation, Rasian was resilient. He focused on surviving, hoping for a better future. He would often find solace in books that the nobles dumped out of their homes, losing himself in the tales of heroes and adventure. He found hope in the fact that the heroes in those books often started from humble beginnings, just like him, yet they were able to change their circumstances and achieve greatness.
His dreams didn't stop at surviving, though. He dreamt of a life free from his father's tyranny, a life where he could take care of his mother without worry, a life where he could find happiness. And although he knew it was a long shot, he dared to dream of becoming a hero, like those in his favorite books.
However, as fate would have it, misfortune did not confine itself to a single instance.
