ZARA’S POVThe moment Vanessa collapsed, Zara thought she was dead.One second she was screaming at Adrian, clutching her chest.The next, her knees buckled, her eyes rolled back, and she dropped into the dirt with a sound that didn’t sound human.“Shit—Vanessa!” Adrian caught her before her head hit the ground.Lucien spun around, eyes wide, face draining of color.“No… no, no, stay awake—Vanessa!”There was blood.Everywhere.Warm, dark, pouring through her fingers.“We need a hospital!” Adrian barked.Lucien grabbed him. “No hospitals. They’ll track us in seven minutes.”“Then what—Lucien, she’s dying!”Zara stepped forward, voice steady even though her heart was racing.“I can take it out.”Both men froze.Lucien’s eyes snapped to her. “Zara—this is a bullet wound. Not a scratch.”“I know.”Her voice didn’t shake.Her hands didn’t either.“I grew up around my father’s men. I’ve stitched stab wounds since I was fourteen. I know what to do.”Lucien hesitated only a breath—then nodde
Last Updated : 2025-11-28 Read more