Sandy's POV
I despised watching him suffer. His anguish had a way of seeping into my chest, wrapping around my heart like a vice. The hatred wasn't for him though - never for him.
My eyes drifted shut as I wrapped my arms around him. Time seemed suspended until his voice cut through the quiet.
"I'm sorry." The words were barely a whisper from Charles.
Had he spoken any softer, I might have missed them entirely.
"Charl—"
"I'm sorry for taking away your choice. For deceiving you into that witch's contract." His hands found mine, gently pulling them away from his waist.
My heart plummeted. He turned toward me, and when our gazes locked, something gentle flickered in his eyes.
His knuckles traced a path down my cheek, sending tremors through my entire body. He cradled my face, his thumb brushing across my skin.
"I was desperate to keep you with me. I'm sorry."
