Chapter 5

Charles's pupils shrank in alarm.

"Weren't you supposed to be in the room?" he stammered.

The bodyguards grabbed Charles and pinned him down.

The dagger clattered to the floor.

Victor examined me carefully, checking for any injuries.

When he saw my bent knee, his face grew grim and dark.

His eyes were rimmed with red, and his voice came out rough.

"I'm sorry, Mia. I didn't protect you," he said.

The pain crashed over me, delayed but overwhelming.

I almost wanted to cry.

But I couldn't let myself break down in front of everyone.

I bit down on my tongue,…