"Ahhh!" A woman's piercing scream shattered the tense silence, a sound of both agony and sacrifice.
Suddenly, something warm splashed on Lucian's face. Blood. It splattered across his cheek, thrown from Rose's mouth, leaving a crimson streak that dripped down slowly.
Lucian's eyes, once filled with confidence, suddenly widened in horror. His voice caught in his throat, the shock stealing his breath. He had never felt anything like this before . He had been so sure he could handle the bullet, so sure he could protect them both.
But why? Why had she stepped in front of it?
His hands trembled, his eyes flickered with disbelief. He tried to comprehend what had just happened. Slowly, his gaze shifted forward, and his legs, though quivering, somehow kept him standing.In front of him, Rose stood, her face pale, lips stained with blood. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she smiled a broad, defiant smile that spoke of triumph and sorrow.