Chapter 197 Showdown

• Charles
• The air crackled with the raw power of the spell. The gun he held clattered to the ground. His body collapsed like a marionette with cut strings, twitching every so often. Blood splashed and spurted out from his neck, covering Cecil as she fell to the ground with a soft sob. The scent of blood, metallic and raw, filled my nostrils, but it was quickly forgotten as I rushed forward and scooped her into my arms. She was cold and shivering as she sobbed into my arms, clinging to me and trembling. Something in me sighed in relief. I stroked her hair and tucked her close, trying to get her warm and shield her from the rain.
• “It's all right. I'm here now. You're safe.”