Chapter 17
The moment Ariana saw the gun, she froze instantly. Everything around her seemed to stop moving. The cold night air. The sound of distant traffic. Even her breathing. Her eyes remained locked on the dark figure standing across the street with the gun pointed directly at Damien.
But Damien reacted immediately. Without hesitation, he pulled Ariana behind him protectively, shielding her body with his own. “Get inside the building,” Damien ordered sharply, his eyes never leaving the man.
Ariana grabbed his arm tightly. “Damien, what's happening?”
“Not now, Ariana. Get inside. Now.”
Fear crawled violently through her chest. Ariana quickly turned and ran toward the apartment door. She knocked repeatedly. “Mom!” she shouted loudly. “Mom, open the door!”
No response. Pan
