April's tears fell freely now, blurring her vision. "Noooo! Please stop!" she shouted, her voice rising as she turned her gaze to Branson.
Her fear mixed with anger as she screamed at him, her emotions raw and unfiltered.
"Don't hurt him anymore! Just—just do whatever you want, you demons! You'll all burn in hell for this!"
Her voice wavered, the words a desperate plea wrapped in defiance. But her captors didn't flinch, their cold indifference slicing through her hope.
Still, her gaze returned to Julian.
She watched as he crawled closer, his body trembling but unrelenting.
Her heart ached at the sight of him—battered, bruised, but somehow still fighting.
Why, Julian? Why can't you just stay down?
Yet, even as her heart broke, she couldn't stop the swell of pride that rose within her.
Through her tears, a sad smile formed on her lips. He was everything she had ever wanted in a man—kind, brave, and selfless beyond measure.
