Catherine's Return

The sharp crack of the rifle shot echoed through the cavernous factory, reverberating like a hammer striking steel. Nathan instinctively twisted to the side, the sudden motion sending the sniper's bullet grazing across his upper arm. The searing pain was immediate, followed by the metallic tang of blood dripping down his sleeve. His vision blurred, adrenaline battling the sudden onset of unconsciousness as he collapsed to the floor.

Darkness pulled at him, but not before he caught the faint sound of boots approaching and a voice—Isabella's, smooth and sharp. "Bring him below. Make sure he stays alive." Isabella said as Nathan lost consciousness of everything going around him.

.......