Gianna stopped, her hand still gripping the knife, her eyes wide with shock. Blood began to seep through Dylan's shirt, staining it a deep crimson.
Her fingers slackened on the hilt of the blade as the reality of what she had done settled in. She had intended to hurt Ava, not him. She staggered back a step, horror mingling with disbelief.
"I-I didn't mean to hurt you," she stammered. "It's her fault—it's all her fault!"
"Dylan." Ava's scream pierced the air. Tears blurred her vision as she hesitated, unsure whether to pull the knife out.
Dylan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand tall despite the searing pain radiating from his back. He turned slightly, his fiery gaze locking onto Gianna. "Stay behind me. I'll handle this."
Gianna shrank under his glare, her bravado crumbling. "I didn't mean for this!" she sputtered, taking a step back. "You have to believe me! It's her—it's always her!"