"Darcy! Why are you here?" Cayden's voice, though feeble, cut through the tense air, drawing Darcy's attention.
Her heart constricted with concern as she took in Cayden's poor state—that was solely due to her existence in his life. She silently scolded herself, wishing she had never crossed paths with him, knowing he wouldn't be suffering like that if they hadn't met.
"How sentimental and pathetic," Mr. Collins sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But unfortunately, I demand blood for blood." With a subtle gesture, he signaled his men to aim their weapons at Cayden, one of them loading his gun with lethal intent.
"NO!" Darcy screamed, prepared to rush to Cayden's aid, but a sudden blow to her calf sent her crashing to her knees. Strong hands seized her by the collar, pressing a gun against her temple, but Darcy was consumed by a single thought—to save Cayden at any cost.