Gunfire echoed all around like a raging storm. Shells bounced off old beams and concrete walls as Ava ran through the thick smoke, the harsh smell of gunpowder making it hard to breathe.From behind the cage, a Calabrian enforcer stepped into view, raising his weapon slowly, deliberately, aimed not at Ava, but at Pearl.“No!”Ava screamed, launching herself forward with every ounce of strength in her body. She dove through the smoke and gunfire, ignoring the sharp pain slicing through her shoulder from a graze. Her body collided with the gunman just as he fired. The shot missed, burying into a beam as the two of them tumbled hard to the floor.She landed on top of him, disarming him in a violent twist of muscle and rage, then brought her elbow crashing into his temple. He went still.Pearl sobbed inside the cage, reaching through the bars. “Mom… please!”Ava looked up, breathing heavily. The gunfight continued around her, her ears ringing from the noise. Blood dripped from her arm, b
Last Updated : 2025-07-27 Read more