Marius almost releases the arrow—almost, if it were not for the fact that he recognizes her the moment his eyes fall on her face. She was not someone he would consider an intimate friend, but she showed him the gardens, a place of refuge and the only place he could find a sense of peace, no matter how fleeting.

So he hesitates, the hand that has nocked the arrow trembling slightly, the pause being enough for her to escape without difficulty.

"Madame Salazar?" It's soft and puzzled and hurt all at the same time, although it's said more to himself than anyone else.

But he has little time dwelling in his emotions of anger and betrayal for long. Immediately, he drops the bow and arrow, rushing towards Cosette and kneeling beside her. He reaches for her arm and inspects it, feeling the tears prick at his eyes when he witnesses the bright red blood seep through the horrid gash.

"I'm sorry." He hurriedly searches their belongings for some kind of cloth to wrap around the cut. Finding none, he uses the tip of an arrow to make an initial cut on the hem of his sweat-stained shirt, before tearing out a considerable enough piece. All the while he repeats, "Forgive me. I didn't—I should have seen her... I'm sorry, Cosette."