The Edge Of Innocence

The Price of Blood

Sophie's POV

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the rail yard, and my heart stopped as I watched Ryan stagger, blood pouring from his side. "Ryan!" I screamed, my voice raw with panic.

I didn't think—I just ran. My legs carried me across the yard toward him, my breath coming in short, desperate gasps. I could hear the gunfire still erupting around us, but all I could see was Ryan, clutching his side as he struggled to stay on his feet.

When I reached him, I threw my arms around him, trying to support his weight. "You're okay, you're okay," I kept repeating, more for my own benefit than his.

Ryan winced, his face pale as he looked down at me. "Sophie... you need to get out of here."

"I'm not leaving you," I whispered fiercely, tears burning my eyes. "I'm not going anywhere without you."

Suddenly, Luca's voice rang out from behind us. "Touching. Really, it is."

I turned, my blood running cold as Luca approached, his gun still in hand. He looked down at Ryan with a satisfied smirk, but when his eyes landed on me, something shifted in his expression. He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the control he had over the situation.

"You can walk away, Sophie," Luca said casually. "You don't have to die here with him. This is Ryan's mess, not yours."

I shook my head, standing my ground. "I'm not going anywhere."

Luca shrugged. "Your choice."

I saw the flash of movement just before Luca raised his gun, and in that split second, I knew what was about to happen. My body moved on instinct, throwing myself in front of Ryan just as Luca pulled the trigger.