Page 71 of Dark Christmas
I press my fingers to Sasha’s neck, checking his pulse. It’s faint, and the blood pooling beneath him is spreading fast.
No, no, no!
My mind’s racing. He’s bleeding out, and I have no clue how to help him.
An evil laugh pulls my focus away from Sasha. I whip my head around, heart slamming into my chest.
It’s Denis. He’s found me.
A gun gleams in his hand, aimed right at my head, a wild, crazed look in his eyes.
My breath catches.
This is it.
“Hey there, sweetheart,” he sneers. My entire body freezes, fear locking me in place.
I want to scream for Melor. but I am unable to speak. All I can do is stare down the barrel of Denis’ gun, praying for a miracle.
Another shot rings out.
Melor’s behind me, taking aim at Denis again. Relief surges through me, but it’s short-lived. Denis manages to fire back before Melor can get another shot off. The sound of the gunshot rips through the air, and Melor stumbles back, his body jerking from the impact.
I scream. Without thinking, I bolt toward him, my feet moving faster than my brain can keep up. I dive behind the nearby car where Melor’s crouched, clutching his shoulder. Blood stains his shirt, and his face twists in pain.
"Fuck," he hisses through gritted teeth, clearly pissed he got shot. His eyes flash with fury and I can feel the rage radiating off of him. I look down at my trembling hands and realize I’m still holding the gun Sasha gave me.
"Melor,” I whisper, my voice shaky.
He glances at me, his eyes fierce but soft. “I’m fine. It’s just a graze,” he lies. “But you need to get out of here. I’m going to create a distraction, and you’re going to run. Got it?”
“No way,” I snap, shaking my head. “I’m not leaving you.”
Denis’ voice cuts through the air, dripping with sadistic glee. "You two lovebirds hiding back there? Come on out! I’ll make it quick... after I’m done with your little girlfriend!"
"Get ready," Melor growls, eyes locked on mine.
The footsteps get closer, heavy and deliberate. Melor pulls me close, his body tense. I try to help him to his feet, but he’s too heavy, his weight pressing against me. Blood spreads across his shirt, soaking through. I know it’s bad and my heart is breaking.
Finally, Denis steps into view, his gun aimed right at Melor.
I tuck Sasha’s gun away, hoping Denis doesn’t see it.
Denis smirks, his eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction. "Drop the gun, or I kill the girl." He jabs the barrel toward me for emphasis.
Melor’s jaw tightens, and with a glare that could melt steel, he slowly lowers his weapon, his eyes never leaving Denis. I can see the pain in his face, both from the gunshot and the fact that he’s being forced to submit.
Denis’ grin widens. "Revenge for my brother. Justice, at last."
Melor scoffs, blood trickling down his arm. "There’s no justice here, you piece of shit. You’ve just signed your own death warrant."
"Whatever," Denis shrugs, taking a step closer, his gun still trained on Melor. "At least I’ll be satisfied."
I pull the gun out from behind me, raise it, and before I can overthink, I fire.
The shot goes wide, hitting a pipe on the ceiling behind Denis with a loud clang.
Denis flinches, whipping his head around in confusion. “What the fuck?” he says, his eyes narrowing. I’ve spoiled his little villain moment. But that split second of distraction is all Melor needs.