"You did absolutely nothing wrong, Celine," Delaney whispered fiercely into the girl's blonde hair. She rubbed Celine's back in slow, soothing circles. "Do you hear me? You did nothing wrong. You loved him, and he loved you."
Delaney held her tighter, speaking with absolute conviction.
"And Edward knew the risks," Delaney continued gently. "He was a very smart, very brave young man. I am entirely sure he would have done it a thousand times over if he thought it would have kept you safe from your family. You shouldn't feel guilty. You brought him love in a terrible place."
Delaney paused, her voice hardening with cold anger toward the true villain of the story.
"The only one who should feel guilty," Delaney stated firmly, "is your father. He is a monster."
Celine sniffled against Delaney's shoulder. She slowly lifted her head.
Celine broke slightly from the warm hug, creating a small space between them. She looked at Delaney, her blue eyes red and swollen from crying.
