"My parents met by chance," Isolde began in a trembling voice. They fell in love almost immediately.
A painful smile crossed his lips.
— They got married. And for three years… everything was fine.
Henry remained silent.
— Then I was born. I was happy. I had a loving mother. A father present.
She paused.
— Until I was eight.
His voice hardened.
— One day, a woman arrived… with a girl my age. She said she was my father's wife.
Isolde clenched her fists.
—But that wasn't true. My mother and father were legally married. This woman... she was his mistress.
Henry gritted his teeth.
—Everything collapsed.
She swallowed hard.
— My mother made a decision. She took me far away. She cried the whole way. It was raining so hard...we could barely see the road.
His breathing became irregular.
— A car suddenly appeared. She turned the wheel…and we drove off the road.
His hands were trembling.
— The car found itself suspended over a ravine. I tried to wake her... but every movement made the car rock.
His voice broke completely.
— My father has arrived. He took me out. I screamed. I begged him to save my mother.
Tears rolled down.
— But the car… fell. With her in it.
Henry clenched his fists.
—After that… I had to live with this woman. And his daughter.
She burst into tears.
— They hit me. Despised me. And my father…watched. Without saying anything.
Henry stood up abruptly, furious, then took her in his arms, holding her close to him.
— Don't cry anymore, Isolde. I swear to you… no one will hurt you again.
His voice was deep, vibrant.
"I won't let anyone touch you.
She trembled.
—And if he finds out? What if he tries to take me back?
Henry looked her straight in the eyes.
—Then marry me.
—Wh…WHAT?!
—You are eighteen years old. You can get married.
He spoke without hesitation.
—If I officially register you in the Lycan register and our union is recognized, no advice will allow him to approach you.
A weight seemed to leave Isolde's chest... but the doubt persisted.
"Why…why are you doing this?"
She looked down.
—Because of my body?
Henry gently caressed her face.
- No.
He smiles with rare tenderness.
— I'm doing it because I fell madly in love with you.
Isolde blushed, unable to speak.
—I loved a girl once. Her name was Iris.
His voice darkens.
—She was like you. Half lycan. Mistreated.
He approached.
— Her sister killed her.
- What…?!
—I couldn't save her. So I got lost.
He sighed.
— Then you arrived. And I wanted to protect you. Know you. And I fell in love.
He took her hand.
—Give us a chance to be happy.
Isolde stared at him for a long time... then leaned towards him and kissed him, with all the fear, hope and love she carried within her.
For the first time in a long time... she no longer felt alone.