My legs gave out and I slid from Carter's arms to the floor. I covered my face with my hands as sobs shook through my body.
"Why?" I cried hoarsely. "Why do they treat me like this when I've already endured so much pain? What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Carter crouched beside me immediately. He pulled my head against his chest, his hand gently stroking my hair as he tried to calm me.
"You've done nothing wrong, silly girl," he murmured softly. "The fault lies in their blindness and their foolishness."
His voice carried a quiet regret.
"Elena… I'm sorry I couldn't protect you in our previous life. I failed you, and you suffered because of it. But I swear to you, in this life, I won't let anyone harm you again."
"I know you're good to me," I whispered through my tears.
But even hearing those words did not fully comfort me.
