The gunshot echoed like thunder, followed by a silence so heavy it seemed the world itself held its breath.
Lina's scream pierced the darkness.
"Adrian!"
Her eyes darted wildly—searching, praying. For a second, she couldn't tell if the blood on the floor belonged to him… or someone else.
Adrian staggered, his body shielding hers even in that final moment. His hand pressed to his side, warm crimson seeping between his fingers. He gritted his teeth, refusing to fall.
"No… no, please," Lina's voice broke as she reached for him, tears blurring her vision. She held his arm desperately, as if her touch alone could keep him alive.
Elara's smirk returned, cold and cruel.
"Still playing the hero, Adrian? Some things never change."
Adrian's eyes, darkened by pain, lifted to meet hers. "I failed you once, Elara. But I won't fail her."
With the last of his strength, he pulled Lina closer, whispering against her ear.
"Don't let them take you. Promise me, Lina. Promise you'll fight… even if I can't."
Her tears fell hot against his skin. "No! Don't say that. You're not leaving me, Adrian. Not now, not ever."
The sound of approaching footsteps snapped her back to reality. The armed men were closing in again, ready to finish what Elara had started.
Lina's trembling stopped. Slowly, she picked up the gun still lying on the floor. Her hands no longer shook—her fear had transformed into fire. She stood, placing herself between Adrian and their enemies, her voice steady despite the tears.
"If you want him… you'll have to go through me."
Elara tilted her head, amused. "Brave words. Let's see if you can live up to them."
The warehouse filled with tension once more, the storm far from over. But in that moment, Lina knew: she was no longer just someone Adrian was protecting. She was ready to fight for him—with him.
And nothing, not even Elara's sh
adow, would break that promise.