The blade sank in with a sickening sound. Theo's body jolted, his breath catching as pain ripped through him. For a heartbeat, he stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief. His hand shot down, gripping the knife's hilt, trying instinctively to stop it from driving deeper, only for the man to twist and shove harder.
A raw gasp tore from Theo's throat. His knees buckled, but he forced himself to stay upright, blood already soaking through his shirt in a spreading warmth.
"Theo!" Richard's roar cracked the air, his face twisting with horror as he lunged forward.
Liam, who had just arrived after sending Evelyn to safety, froze for half a second before his instincts kicked in. His vision blurred red.
