Tristen never really fit in—not at home, not at school, and not even in his own skin sometimes. Standing a little taller than most kids his age, with his vitiligo painting soft patterns across his skin like constellations, he often caught stares he didn’t want. People whispered, laughed, or just looked too long, and every glance felt like a spotlight he couldn’t turn off.

Sports were the one place he felt like himself. When he tied his old headband around his curls and ran across the field, he almost forgot the stares and the names. Almost. But even there, winning didn’t change the feeling of being different.

Tristen didn’t yet know that the same headband he wore to keep sweat out of his eyes would become something far greater—a magical item that shimmered with glowing lines, like starlight caught in fabric. It would one day prove that the things that made him stand out weren’t curses at all, but his greatest strengths.

Author’s Note:
Thank you for meeting Tristen! He may seem different on the outside, but his story is about finding strength in the things that set him apart. 🌟 Every character in The Under Dogs carries a piece of hope — and together, their journeys connect in unexpected ways. If Tristen’s chapter touched you, please leave a like or comment, it really helps me keep going. Stay tuned — more characters are waiting to be introduced. ✨