Layla froze in Karl's embrace. Her small body was still trembling, but slowly, her sobs began to subside. The cold night air felt a little warmer in the silence they shared.
After a while, Layla took a deep breath and wiped her tear-streaked face with the sleeve of her worn-out shirt. Her voice was soft but firm as she asked, "Karl... what really happened to me before? Why do you care about me? And how do you even know me?"
Karl looked deeply into her eyes. This was a moment he had known would come, but that didn't make it any easier. He sighed heavily and leaned back, his gaze fixed on the cracked ceiling as if seeking strength in its imperfections.
"I wasn't a good person, Layla," Karl began, his voice low but steady. "I had abilities—powers that I used in all the wrong ways. I… did things that are unforgivable."
Layla's eyes widened, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
