Axel was still too late. Even as he was diving to the ground, the force of the gunshot reached him, and a searing pain erupted in his left shoulder as the bullet lodged itself deep inside.
Yet, as if the bullet wound had registered as no more than a pinprick, Axel did not flinch or pause. Ignoring the immediate, white-hot pain in his shoulder, he raised his gun in one smooth, practiced motion. His focus was already locked onto the third person, who was scrambling to take another shot. Axel fired. His bullet was faster.
This time, too, the shot was perfectly placed; it lodged into that person's brain, ending the fight instantly. It was another headshot.
