"I know," Juan said quietly. Hr was trying to keep his voice steady but it seemed nearly impossible
"He was brave. He protected me, just like he always does." Belle whispered, "I'm so sorry..." Her voice was shaking with guilt and sadness.
Juan gently wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. "Don't apologize," he said. "You didn't do this. Someone else is to blame. And I promise you, Belle, I'm going to find out who did this to you."
She looked at him, her eyes filled with hope and pain.
"And when I find them..." His voice became cold, and the anger was clear in his words. "They will regret ever drawing breath in this world. I swear it."
Belle weakly squeezed his hand. "You promise?" she asked, her voice barely audible. But it was filled with a desperate need for assurance
