Marco's POV
Like a rocket, fueled by impulse, I dove for Elara, arms around her, hands palming her small head to shield her, we crashed beneath the table with a loud thud.
"Giù! Get down!”
I pulled out my gun, clicking the trigger in place. Pushing her in, I spun my back to the ground to get a good view of the place.
The loud wailing and cry of the staff and the deep agony of Mr. Benedict filled the air. No gunshot, nothing.
“No. No. No.” Elara whimpered, clutching at me like a second skin. Arms and legs around me in a tight grip. “Please… I beg you.”
Her groan jerked in a soft sob, tears pouring out her eyes like a river. Attached to me, she was trembling like a jellyfish, deeply inhaling and holding her breaths longer than she normally would.
“Listen to me,” I brushed air o
