The warehouse erupted in chaos as Elijah crumpled to the ground, blood soaking through his shirt.
"Elijah!" Mia's voice cracked through the earpiece as she watched remotely, unable to reach him. Her hand flew to her mouth, trembling, tears already falling.
Talia screamed, grabbing Zane and pulling Luna from Ethan's arms. "Get them out!" she shouted, eyes wild, protective instincts raging like fire.
Ethan didn't hesitate.
He turned toward Julian, rage boiling behind his icy expression. "You just made the biggest mistake of your life."
Julian smirked, raising his pistol again, toward Talia this time.
Bang.
One shot.
Right between the eyes.
Julian's body hit the warehouse floor with a dull thud.
Dead.
No last words. No more threats.
Just silence.
Ethan didn't even blink. He holstered the gun, turned to Elijah, who was gasping for breath, clutching his side.
"We need medical, now!" Ethan barked into his comms. "He's hit. Deep abdominal wound. I need evac!"
