BANG!
The gunshot split the silence again. A sharp, jarring explosion that tore through the trees like lightning.
Elena’s body jolted as the sound hit her ears. For a second, time stilled. No breath. No movement.
She blinked. Then again. Slowly turned her head.
Damian was standing in front of her—arms outstretched, shielding her.
His mouth parted, as if trying to speak, but no words came.
And then—
He stumbled.
A red blossom spread across his side, dark and thick. He swayed once, as if caught in a slow dance, then collapsed to his knees.
“No…” Elena gasped, hands reaching for him before he dropped completely.
His body hit the earth with a dull thud.
“Damian!”
She fell beside him, pressing her hands to his chest, her palms instantly slick with blood. Warm. Wet. Real.
“No no no
