Arthur held her through it all, his own eyes burning with tears he refused to let fall. He'd stayed strong for so long, maintained iron control while hunting for solutions and fighting impossible battles. But holding his sister—feeling her breathe, hearing her voice, knowing she would live—threatened to shatter the composure he'd maintained through everything.
"I'm sorry," Arthur whispered, his voice breaking despite his best efforts. "I'm so sorry it took so long. I should have found a cure faster. Should have protected you better. Should have—"
"Stop," Charlotte interrupted weakly, her voice gaining strength even through her tears. "Stop apologising, you idiot. You saved me. You actually... You actually saved me. I knew you would."
She pulled back again, her hands moving to cup Arthur's face. Her thin fingers trembled, but her grip was firm as she forced him to meet her eyes.
