Into the Heart of Dove Nest

Nadia's eyes widened in sheer horror, the weight of her actions crushing her as the gun slipped from her fingers, landing with a soft thud on the ground. "Jaime," her voice quivered, raw emotion lacing every syllable. "I... I'm so sorry... I never intended... I..."

 

Her eyes, once filled with panic, seemed to shimmer with regret. I forced a smile through my pain, clutching my wounded shoulder, trying to convey forgiveness through my eyes. The bullet had hit me but missed the vitals - a small mercy in that chaotic moment.

 

My legs, however, betrayed the shock. They buckled, sending me collapsing onto the ground where patches of cool grass brushed against my skin. The initial numbness around the wound began to dissipate, replaced by a fiery sting, a pulsating throb echoing the beat of my heart.

 

'I can't just lie here.'