Valerio
It was as if everything happened in slow motion. Octavia stepping in front of me. The bullet striking her, forcing her body backward as she fell to the ground. At the same time, I raised my gun and fired at Carter. He dropped instantly, collapsing to the ground, but I barely registered it as I rushed to my mate’s side. Time started moving again. But it was too late.
“Octavia,” I breathed, despair filling me as her eyes met mine. They were already beginning to close as I pressed my hand against her wound, trying to stop the bleeding.
“My king!” Garrett’s voice cut through my panic.
I saw my men rushing toward us. Garrett came into view, but I couldn’t focus on anything except the blood pooling beneath Octavia. He reached for me, but I let out a low, threatening growl, warning hi
