Ethan forcefully pushed Madelyn away, causing her to stagger backward and fall, her hand landing on scattered glass shards. Pain surged through her as her palm began bleeding, the crimson hue staining her clothes and widening rapidly.

A fleeting glimmer of regret appeared in Ethan's eyes, prompting him to move slightly toward her. But just as quickly as it came, the emotion receded, and he froze.

Purposefully turning his back to her, he grappled with his internal conflict. Gazing out the Frenc