*This is Book 1 of Volume 2 of the "That Which Was Lost" series and is a continuation of VOL. 1 - "The Brokenhearted Necklace". Volumes MUST be read in order.
With the death of his mother, 13-year-old Paul McNair is suddenly thrust into a hostile environment under the sole care of his abusive father. His only friend is Sophia, a young girl his own age who he soon learns is the victim of abuse herself. When Sophia's 16-year-old brother, Ivan, reveals a secret, forbidden interest in Paul and begins to coerce Paul into intimate acts, Paul is cast into confusion as what to feel. Ivan never hurts him and even displays affection for him, yet when around their fathers and the other adult men, he is critical of Paul. Sophia exhibits an unexpected care for her abusive brother that Paul doesn't entirely understand until he learns that Ivan is as much of a victim as Sophia and Paul.
WARNING: Contains depictions of abusive that may be sensitive to some readers. DISCLAIMER: The acts of abuse within this series are a necessary part of the story line but are absolutely NOT depicted in a positive light nor are they in ANY way included for "titillation" of the reader, but rather a stark reality check of the horrors children face in the real world. Anyone who finds acts of abuse against children or other adults a form of arousal - seek professional help now.