“Don’t move.”
The command snapped through the room just as the weapon locked on me. My breath hitched, not from panic, but from the sudden narrowing of everything, space, sound, time. Adrian’s arm came across me instantly, firm, protective, his body shifting just enough to block, but not enough to provoke.
“Lower it,” he said, voice-controlled, quiet, dangerous.
The man holding the gun didn’t hesitate. “Step back,” he replied, tone flat. “Or she takes the risk for you.”
Adrian didn’t move. Not even an inch.
Something tight pressed in my chest. Not fear exactly. Something heavier. Something that made my thoughts sharper instead of scattered.
“Adrian,” I said softly.
He didn’t look at me. “No.”
That single word held too much. Refusal. Decision.
The first figure watched, silent, almo
