The gunshot echoed through the grand hall like a death knell, sharp and final, cutting through the chaos of smoke, rain, and shattered glass.
Victoria Voss staggered back, a bright red bloom spreading rapidly across her chest. For a moment, time seemed to freeze in the destroyed mansion. Elena stood with the gun still raised, her hands shaking violently, smoke curling from the barrel. The sharp, acrid scent of gunpowder mixed with the metallic tang of blood and the salty bite of rain blowing in through the broken windows. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it would crack her ribs.
Victoria looked down at the wound, then back up at her daughter. A slow, wet laugh escaped her lips, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, staining her perfect white blouse dark crimson.
“You final
