The Alchemy

Who's Afraid Of Little Old Me?

Will's POV:

I follow the police officers into the building, even though they told me to wait. There's no way I'm standing around doing nothing while the love of my life might already be dead.

What a fool I was. I trusted my brother, I helped him, and all he's given me in return is pain. I would've forgiven him for all the hell he put me through. I could have even forgiven him if he had stabbed me in the back. But I will never forgive him for hurting the love of my life.

How could he do this? I think, disbelief flooding my mind as I take the stairs four at a time. Finally, we reach the floor where Taylor is supposed to be. My fingers tremble as I fidget with my shirt, waiting for the officers to clear the place.

Suddenly, there's a loud boom as the police break into the apartment where Taylor's being held. I hear shouting and explosions as smoke quickly fills the air.

But then, above the noise, I hear a muffled scream coming from the staircase upstairs. Without a second thought, I sprint toward the sound, taking the steps as fast as I can.

A shadow darts ahead of me, barely visible as I climb the stairs. He's way ahead, but I'm gaining on him. Just as I'm about to catch up, he slams a door shut right in front of me.

I pound on the door, shouting for Taylor. After what feels like an eternity, I finally break through. I stumble onto the roof, the bright sun blinding me for a second. The building is high, the clouds almost within reach.

I frantically search for Taylor, but I can't find her—until I hear her scream my name. Just the thought of her being hurt makes me sick. I shout back so she knows I'm here. I'm going to save her.

I run toward the sound of her voice and find them at the edge of the roof. He has one arm wrapped tightly around her, and his other hand is gripping a gun, the barrel pressed against her temple.

I raise my hands, showing him I'm unarmed as I get closer. I quickly scan her—her cheeks are red, and I can tell she's been crying, but she doesn't seem physically hurt. It's a small relief.

"Don't come any closer!" the man yells at me.

"Listen, I don't want to hurt you. I'm not going to turn you in. I just want her back. If you let her go, I won't follow you—I promise." I try to reason with him.

"No way I'm letting her go! She's my ticket out of here. I'm not leaving alive without her."

"Take me! Take me instead of her! But please, don't hurt her. She's all I have," I plead.

"Shut up! You're going to screw me over! Back up, or I'll kill this bitch!" he screams, pointing the gun at me.

I step back immediately. I don't want to risk her life by making him angrier.

I lock eyes with her and say softly, "It's okay, baby. I'm here. Everything's going to be alright."

Her eyes fill with tears, and she nods.

Taylor's POV:

I can barely move as his grip tightens around me. I'm so scared, but I force myself to calm down, focusing on Will's gaze.

My knees are weak, barely holding me up. My head throbs from exhaustion and fear. I can feel him dragging me backward.

If he keeps moving, we're going to fall.

I close my eyes as the cold metal of the gun presses against my temple again. He takes another step back. We're going to fall.

My heart races. All I want is to be in Will's arms. I breathe in as he takes another step back. We're going to fall. I breathe out. Another step. We're going to fall.

I can hear Will talking to him, but I can't make out the words. Panic is drowning out everything else.

Then I feel him move again. We're going to fall.

Suddenly, there's a loud noise. The grip around me loosens, and the weight behind me disappears. I collapse forward.

Before I hit the ground, two strong arms catch me.

I throw my arms around Will's neck, clinging to him as I sob.

"It's okay, princess," he whispers, holding me tightly. "He's gone. No one's going to hurt you. You're safe." He repeats it over and over until my breathing starts to calm.