Downfall. Lila pov

Leo's grip around me was so sudden and forceful that it stole the air from my lungs. I barely had time to register what Mason was about to do before the sharp crack of a gunshot split the air.

For a moment, everything was silent. A terrible, suffocating stillness, like the world had hit pause. Then—two more shots. My body flinched instinctively, my breath catching in my throat as I let out a startled yelp.

Panic gripped me. It felt as though I had been catapulted into an empty void where only fear existed. My heart pounded so violently I could feel it in my ears. But then, Leo moved, his deep voice breaking through the haze like an anchor pulling me back to reality.

"Are you okay?" His voice was hoarse, tense.

I forced myself to respond, my body trembling. "Yes. Are you?" My hands ran over his chest and arms, checking for injuries. Thank goodness—he was safe. A wave of relief washed over me, but it was fleeting.