Julius eyes caught sight of a blood splatter at the side, but it wasn't his.
He raised his head, and his eyes widened.
Khana, his mother, was sprawled in front of him. A palm strike etched on the side of her face, her mouth bleeding fresh blood.
Varnel's cold voice came next.
"You useless whore. I've always suspected you spread your legs for another wretched soul. This trash can't be mine."
Khana forced herself to kneel.
"P-please Varnel, he's just a child. I've only ever been faithful to you…"
"You lying bitch."
Varnel thundered, his anger flaring. He raised his hand again, and the sounds of palm striking flesh echoed across the room as he continued to beat Khana.
'She protected me,' Julius realized as he watched the scene with trembling eyes.
He could feel a twisted sensation deep in his stomach.
"M-Mom…" He clenched his fists. He wanted to jump in and stop the beatings, but his body refused to move.
His fear rooted him in place.
'Y-you're useless…' he thought.
