A glint of steel.
Bang!
The gunshot tore through the night. Kael staggered, pain burning through his back. His knees gave out, but still he moved in front of Lyra, shielding her with his body.
"Kael!" Lyra screamed, catching him as he fell.
The man cursed and ran into the darkness, leaving behind the sound of Lyra's sobs.
Kael's breathing grew shallow, each word a struggle. His vision blurred, but the moon above still shined clearly, silver and cold.