deepen the sorrow of those I hold dear. Adieu, bless your Charlene - how glorious she feels to journey towards death, singing the anthem of liberty!"

----------------------

"Andre! Andre!" Edith screamed, rushing towards Quenet.

The guard who was clearing the way for him impatiently reached out to stop her, but Andre halted him.

"How could you treat Charlene like this? And Lucile?" She grasped his shoulders, her voice trembling as she questioned him.

He looked into her face, his gaze shifting, but ultimately he couldn''t bear to meet her eyes and averted his gaze, whispering softly, "I''m sorry."

Edith''s amber eyes widened in disbelief.

"She saved my life! And it was because of you!" She clasped his both hands, her voice choked with tears, pleading, "Andre! You have influence in the National Convention! I beg of you, please! Please save Charlene! Save my friend!"

Andre fell silent for a moment.

"I deeply regret it. But I''m powerless." He finally pushed away her sweaty, shivering hands and refused to look at her any longer.

"You can''t do this to me! Quenet! Quenet!" Several guards behind them, seeing Andre''s rejection, stepped forward and grabbed the girl''s arms, preventing her from rushing forward again.

"They speak the truth! You are nothing but an executioner! Bloodthirsty demon! Let go of me! Let go of me!" Edith struggled so fiercely, even the combined efforts of the soldiers barely able to restrain her resistance. Filled with resentment, she screamed again at the back of the b