LEAVE HIM ALONE

The sharp crack of a gunshot rang out, piercing the eerie silence that had enveloped the air. Atropos let out a startled gasp as the bullet tore past her. With a flick of her wrist, her bony fingers which were gripping the golden strand that was wrapped around his neck, suddenly loosened her hold and the constricting pressure of the strand eased.

Luciano gasped in relief, greedily gulping in precious air as though he had been underwater. His lungs expanded gratefully after being deprived of oxygen for what felt like an eternity. The darkness which had been clouding his vision slowly began to lift, gifting him his sight.

His gaze hastily shifted to the source of the gunshot.