Eleven years Prior
Lucas stood in the hallway, fists balled tight at his sides, listening to them argue. Then came the sharp crack of flesh on flesh. A choked cry followed. His stomach twisted so hard it hurt.
He edged forward and peeked around the corner. His mother was crumpled on the floor, one hand pressed to her cheek. His father loomed over her, face red, eyes wild, spit flying from his mouth as he shouted.
Lucas’s heart thudded painfully. He couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. He wanted to help her, but he felt frozen, too horrified to do anything but stare.
A hand grabbed his shoulder, yanking him back so hard he nearly tripped. Landon’s face appeared, older and sharper than his own, eyes blazing.
“Go,” Landon whispered urgently. “Go hide. Before he sees you.”
“But Mom…”
“Go!”
