Page 233 of A War Around Us

“Stay down!” he threatened, taking one step back.

Taking her farther away from me!

My muscles jumped.

He nicked her skin.

“I said. Stay. Down.”

I did, and my eyes followed my soul as it was towed farther away. An alone tear marked her cheek, running silently as her hand stretched out for me.

And I broke.

I was powerless as Borelli continued to threaten her with the knife against her delicate neck. He continued to walk farther away as her stained dress swept in fresh red.

Powerless as he slipped through the door, taking her away from me.

Gone were her cherry lips, her golden skin, and her spirited emeralds.

I screamed out in painful rage in the middle of a church. Under God’s eyes. The one who gave her to me and took her from me. In his home!

I yelled in blots, ruined and torn in misery as I watched the empty spot where she once stood.

One beat.

Two beats.

Three beats.

I turned.

The odds had spun.

They were at our mercy.

My eyes rose to the cross above.

And a silent prayer tumbled from my lips as I whirled back to the front doors, walking.

Mind blank.

Heart soaring.

Find Katia,my demon ordered.

“Kill them all.”