Giselle gazed at him with an intensity that bordered on desperation. Her eyes, pleading and raw, struck Henry like a dagger to the heart—a pang of agony that shredded through him mercilessly.

Freedom was her sanctuary, the absence of shackles, her constant pursuit.

Yet, her usual escape plans never reflected the pain and finality now evident in her eyes.

This time, her pleas were laced with utter despair.

They stood, locked in a silent standoff, until Henry’s ...