1 1. Unable to forget

Tobias Shackely has always been praised for his excellent memory. But to him, it was a curse. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't forget all about his painful past.

Ten.

It all started with the number ten.

At the tender age of ten, he met the love of his life. He doesn't even know her name at that time but Tobias couldn't help to be fascinated by her. Normally, Tobias would not give anyone the time of day if it doesn't have anything to do with his plans, but there is just something about this girl.

He first saw her when he and his mother came to their monthly visit to the orphanage to bring another batch of clothes to the young girls.

A new orphan has been brought in, he knew that because he could never forget a face. Plus, the girl was already making quite a scene.

Only trouble makers get to be publically whipped to set an example to the other children. And judging by the amount of lashes she has on her arms and legs, this must be going on for a few minutes.

All of the onlookers gathered. Some of the children were crying, the adults were clearly worried.

But even when the whip is continously piercing her delicate skin, she looked unfazed and didn't even shed a tear.

'How fascinating indeed', young Tobias thought.