The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 682

Charles staggered as Luna crumpled, then collapsed to the floor himself.

"Charles!"

Evelyn's eyes went wide with shock. Instinct took over-she lunged to catch him as he fell.

Her hands came away slick and hot, stained with blood-so much, and so bright, the color seared itself into her memory.

For a heartbeat, the world stopped spinning.

All Evelyn could see was Charles throwing himself in front of her, taking the bullet, shielding her without thinking twice.

At the exact second the sniper fired, Francis vaulted up from the terrace below. In

a blur, he grabbed Charlie, pulled her tight, and clamped his hands gently over her ears.

Charlie wriggled in Francis's arms, craning her neck to see. Across the chaos, she caught a glimpse of Charles-blood blooming across his chest.

She let out a shriek and broke free, running to him. "Daddy!"

Charles slumped in Evelyn's arms, his face ghostly pale.

Once he knew mother and daughter were safe, the last bit of strength bled out of him. His mind started to fog over.

But he forced his eyes open when he heard their voices.

He found Evelyn's face-her eyes red, not from tears, but from fear and worry.

even the feelings she never let anyone else see. The sight made his own eyes

his gaze

that one word-Daddy-meant the

finally calling

had left, he reached up and wiped away Charlie's tears, his words barely a whisper. "Charlie... sweetheart...

trailed

wanted to say more, to reassure her, but his body was slipping

grew dim. The world faded to

Evelyn's voice shook and cracked. Her hands trembled, clutching

pressed over Evelyn's, both of them trying desperately

of "Daddy!" cut

Charles close

Charlie into

cry, Charlie. Daddy's

she was trying to convince Charlie, or

Get him to the

touched down on the roof with Francis's medical team, his expression grim

a stretcher and

arms, and followed Francis out of the

they arrived at the hospital, the surgery was

cried herself to sleep on

Evelyn carried Charlie to bed

as if pulled by invisible strings, she found herself walking down the hall

was waiting,

by the door, hollow and

light above