That time around, even in limbo, the will to move did not grace her.
And so, Arabella remained curled up on the ground, shedding silent tears as her entrails sizzled with the lingering stings that those blows from the prince bestowed upon her.
That continued until a warm pair of arms wrapped around and gently turned her around.
"What have they done to you?" Silas whispered, bringing her to his chest.
She said nothing at first and merely winced when her bones threatened to give up on holding her body together.
"They… They figured it all out," she murmured, eyes empty, right on his chest, "They caught them," after a small gasp, a choked cry followed, "It is over," her eyes finally fluttered up towards his, "Please forgive me. I have tried. I really have tried but… In the end, none of it mattered. He was smarter than me,"
"Arabella," he pushed the hair out of her face, "Please, just breathe," something made his voice unsteady… Even though subtle, it was still there.
