Chapter 3

The Moretti women turned on me in fury, snapping at me to stay out of it. Celeste froze in shock, too.

I quickly stepped forward to shield her with my body.

When I saw her face still unscarred, I finally exhaled in relief. I barked, "Find my father! Tell him to come help me. Now!"

Celeste froze for a moment, then ran off, trembling.

…

Meanwhile, I clenched my jaw, steeling myself to face the Morettis alone.

The moment they saw Celeste running, their fury boiled over. One of them raised her gun and fired. The bullet pierced my calf, and pain ripped through me so violently that I dropped to one knee.

Seeing me in agony only made them sneer.

"I've hated you for a long time," a woman spat. "We were going to get rid of Celeste first, then deal with you. But look at that, you came running into our hands."

No sooner had she spoken than another bullet struck my thigh. The pain tore through me, and my grip on the gun faltered.

At that moment, Celeste came running back, clutching a gun. However, it was aimed at my ankle. She pulled the trigger without warning, and I stared at her in bewilderment.

Flustered, she stammered, "I-I didn't mean to shoot you! I was trying to hit them!"

The pain was excruciating. Even so, I stood in front of her.

I never forgot that she was the woman Darius loved most. This time, I had to make sure Celeste lived. Only then would he be spared the pain of losing her.

With a raw, furious cry, I gritted my teeth and fired back at the Moretti women.

The instant they saw the fury in my eyes and remembered how deadly accurate my aim was, they dove behind the pillars in fear.

I had barely caught my breath when a gunshot rang out behind me. Just like that, my weapon was shot clean out of my hand.

I spun around, only to see Darius aiming his gun at me. His face was twisted with rage as he bellowed, "Natalia! How could you send people to hurt Celeste? She loves me! What crime is that?"

I shook my head in agony. "No, Darius. It's not like that…"

But Celeste threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "Darius, please… don't say another word. I'm scared. Take me away from here!"

The sound of her crying tore at his heart.

…

Moments later, Darius fired several shots around me. "The next time you try to hurt Celeste, I'll kill you myself!"

His words struck harder than any bullet could. My whole body shook from the pain before I finally collapsed onto the ground.

The Moretti women had fled the second they saw Darius arrive. Now, I lay alone on the manor lawn, soaked in my own blood.

The sky above was a clear blue. Despite the pain, a peaceful smile touched my lips. I knew I had protected the woman Darius loved.

From this moment on, our past grievances were behind us. He and I were through for good.

…

When I came to, it was already the next day. My father was sitting by my bedside, worry etched across his face. "Nat, are you alright?"

I bit my lip and struggled to sit up. Pale as I was, I nodded.

"You're about to fly to New Verden. Are you sure you're strong enough to go?" he asked.

My gaze was steady as I answered, "I can do it, Dad."

Just then, Darius walked in with a bouquet of my favorite red roses. "Mr. Blackwood, what are you two talking about?"

Remembering what I had told him, my father lied, "Nothing much. I was just asking how she's feeling."

Darius nodded, no longer suspicious. Then, he turned to place the roses in the vase.

My father let out a quiet sigh and gave us a meaningful look before leaving the ward.

As soon as he left, only Darius and I remained in the room. His scent lingered in the air, and I found myself gripping the bedsheet nervously.