Arlo's eyes were full of guilt, and worry was clearly etched on his face. "My princess, I apologize," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "I failed to protect you. It was all my fault that you are in this condition. I shouldn't have left you alone."
I looked into his eyes and saw the pain of regret. I sighed slowly and offered him a small smile. "It's alright, Arlo," I replied, my voice weak. "It was not your fault. You don't have to apologize to me."
But he would not be comforted. "I gave you my word that I would keep you safe," he said, "and I broke that promise. It is all my fault."
Tears welled up in his eyes as he stared down at the wounds that marred my body. "I am responsible for this," he murmured. "I shouldn't have left you alone. I should have stayed next to you."
