A Horrifying Option

Coral cried her heart out for fifteen minutes uninterrupted, to the point of crying herself dry. All the pent-up emotions inside her were released in this flow of tears, snot, and unintelligible babbling that the people around could only listen to and empathize with.

Her betrothed, Castien, felt guilty that he couldn't do anything to help. Glancing at King Astaroth, he knew the man wouldn't allow him to join in on the hug.

And even if he did, he would only hug Queen Phoenix and his mother, not even reaching his fiancé.

But his guilt ran deeper.

The guilt of being unable to protect her, to be there for her, when she was in danger. Rage filled him as he thought of the atrocities committed against the woman he loved.

His fists clenched so hard, his nails dug into his palms, as blood started trickling down his fingers and onto the ground.

Astaroth could smell the crimson liquid and looked at Castien.