"Val... Valerie?" Mr. Wright stuttered, his voice trembling with shock at the sight of his daughter's miserable state. His eyes, wide with horror, seemed to bore into his daughter's battered form, as if struggling to comprehend the brutality before him.
His face pale and rigid, Mr. Wright took a step forward, then halted, as if rooted to the spot. "Who...?" He began but his voice trailing off, unable to form the question.
As Valerie tried to step forward, she stepped on her gown and swayed. Mr. Wright's eyes widened, and he rushed toward her, but was swiftly outrun by Harry who had long shot down from the aisle.
He reached Valerie just as her knees were about to hit the floor. He swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. "Valerie, what happened to you?" he whispered urgently, his voice trembling with concern.
