CHAPTER 61: AT THE EDGE OF GUILT

MARIE The streets were crowded as I pushed through the throng of people, my heart pounding in my chest as I hurried toward the small alley where Charles had been reported. Every step felt like an eternity, my mind racing with fear and guilt. When I finally reached him, I was met with a sight that made my breath hitch. Charles lay slumped against a grimy wall, his face a mess of bruises and cuts, his clothes torn and dirty. Blood stained the collar of his shirt. "Charles!" I dropped to my knees beside him, my voice trembling. I reached out to touch his face but hesitated, afraid that even the gentlest touch might cause him more pain. His usually bright brown eyes were half-shut, dull with pain. The sight of his swollen lip, caked with dried blood, "What happened to you?" He tried to smile, but it came out as a wince. "I'm fine, Marie. Just... a misunderstanding."His voice was rough, each word strained. A wave of nausea hit me as I realized just how bad things had gotten. This was m