Eclipse Blade

Chapter 13: Death awaits Him Part-3

The sound of the gunshot reverberated through the air, jolting Mia and Aaron into action. They rushed to the scene, their hearts racing with a mixture of shock and urgency.

To their utter astonishment, Carl stood there, gun in hand, while Mark knelt before him, restricted and held captive. Carl intentionally didn't shoot Mark, his expression revealing an inner struggle he had never faced before.

Mark looked up at Carl, a mix of arrogance and understanding in his eyes. "I know, kid. You can't pull the trigger. You're not like us. You've never stared into the eyes of someone you're about to kill."

Carl's voice was cold and resolute as he retorted, "Don't push me. This time, I won't hesitate to end you if you don't close that mouth of yours."

As Carl's hand trembled while pointing the gun, Aaron's voice cut through the tension. "Carl, don't do it. Let the police handle him." His voice carried a sense of reason and desperation, a plea to avoid crossing a line that couldn't be uncrossed.

Carl's response was fierce, his words an echoing declaration. "I don't want the police to take care of him. I want to make him pay here and now for what he did to Jason."

Mia stepped forward, her voice a mix of empathy and concern. "Carl, I get it. But taking his life won't bring Jason back. You'll end up imprisoned, and that's not what Jason would have wanted."

Mia's words pierced through Carl's resolve, and he tossed the gun aside. Mia rushed to him, embracing him tightly, a mixture of relief and vulnerability embracing them both. "I'm so relieved you're safe," Mia whispered.

Carl managed a warm smile, his emotions still turbulent but finding comfort in her embrace. "Yeah, me too."

"I'll check if anyone's still alive and call for an ambulance," Mia said urgently.

"Sure, just be careful," Carl cautioned.

"I will," Mia responded.

The woman and her two children expressed their gratitude to Carl for his bravery. While Mia looked around for any injured individuals, Aaron approached Carl with a somber tone. "Carl, I owe you an apology."

Carl inquired, "For what?"

Aaron's voice held genuine regret as he confessed, "Because I told the principal that you started the fight and you got suspended. I'm sorry I lied. I was afraid that Mason would come after me if I told her the truth."

Carl's response held understanding. "I know the kind of threat Mason poses. But don't worry, I hold no grudges against you for that."

Aaron's gratitude was palpable. "Thank you, both you and Mia. You saved us. I'll never forget this."

Carl's voice was reassuring, carrying a note of firmness. "Don't mention it. But I've noticed something unusual."

Aaron's brows furrowed in confusion. "What is it?"

A surge of determination colored Carl's demeanor as he voiced his suspicion, "It's been an hour, and the police still haven't arrived. Something's off, like this was all planned."

Aaron's eyes widened as realization dawned on him, "You're right. After you pointed it out, I noticed too. Why don't we interrogate him before the police show up?"

Carl replied promptly, "Great idea. Let's go." As they were about to rush off, their attention was diverted by the sight of the woman racing towards them, out of breath and panicked.

"Why were there only two masked men? What happened to the third?" Her words were a surge of questions, leaving both Carl and Aaron startled and intrigued.

Carl's voice, tinged with shock, pierced the tense air. "What are you talking about, Mrs.? There were only two masked men that entered the store, right?"

The woman's tone carried tension as she replied, her voice quivering with anxiety. "No, I saw through the store's glass that there are actually three masked men. Only two of them entered, and another one is in the driver's seat."

A sudden realization struck Carl like a lightning bolt. He understood what Mark had been desperately trying to convey. Acting swiftly, he raced towards Mark, his urgency palpable. He clapped Mark's face with both hands, urging him awake. His voice trembled with a mix of confusion and desperation. "You mentioned your associate would come to rescue you. Are you referring to the person outside in the car? Tell me!"

Mark's gaze locked onto Carl's, his voice measured and regretful. "Yes, you're right. He's the one I meant. But you didn't listen to me carefully. And now you are going to face the consequences of that."

Carl's heart raced, fear coursing through him. He turned around, searching for Mia, only to find her absent. His panic grew, his body tensing. Turning to the woman and Aaron, he asked urgently, "Where's Mia?"

The woman's reply was tinged with concern. "I think she went outside to see if the ambulance had arrived."

Carl's breath caught in his throat, his body feeling leaden. Summoning every ounce of his strength, he declared with a hint of desperation, "Aaron, we need to hurry. Mia could be in danger," he said urgently. With resolve, he led the way outside, the urgency propelling their steps.

Upon reaching the exit, Carl spotted Mia, who was engrossed in a phone call, oblivious to the approaching danger. The car sped toward her, and despite Carl's desperate shouts, Mia remained oblivious. Acting on instinct, Carl lunged and pushed Mia out of harm's way just as the car hit him.

The impact was brutal, Carl's body absorbing the force. Blood flowed from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him.

Aaron and Mia screamed together in disbelief and agony, their voices piercing the air. Aaron reached out as if to stop the tragedy, but it was already too late. The vehicle that had taken Carl's life sped away, leaving a haunting silence behind.

Mia cradled Carl's lifeless body, her voice a desperate plea. "Carl, please, talk to me... Carl..."

As if in response, Carl's head turned slightly, his gaze fixed on something beyond. He had noticed the presence of the stranger in the far distance, and it seemed real. The words that the stranger had spoken took on a chilling truth.