The mall fell into silence, broken only by the distant wail of alarms. Eckus's lifeless body hit the marble floor with a heavy thud.
No one moved. Shoppers, guards, even his men—all stared at me, their faces caught between awe and terror. Some whispered words like "monster", while others murmured "savior."
My breath came in ragged gasps. I turned to Irene's still body, the red stain spreading wider across her blouse. My knees weakened, and for a moment, I nearly collapsed beside her.
But then—movement. One of Eckus's men stumbled forward, clutching his arm, his voice hoarse.
"Y-you don't understand… this isn't just about you. Our clan… we were ordered. Your bloodline is cursed. You should never have been allowed to live."
The words cut deeper than any blade. A curse? My family?
Before I could respond, sirens blared louder, flashing red and blue lights spilling through the glass entrance. Police. Too late to save Irene. Too late to stop the carnage. But perhaps… not too late to uncover the truth.
I rose, eyes blazing, voice steady despite the storm inside me.
"Then let the truth come out. If my blood is cursed… I will decide the price it demands."