The Edge Of Innocence

Shattered Silence

Ryan's POV

Time slowed as Sophie moved in front of me, her body blocking the path of Luca's bullet. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion—the sound of the gunshot, the way her body jerked back, the look of shock in her eyes.

"No!" I shouted, catching her as she fell into my arms. My heart raced, fear clawing at me as I held her close, her eyes fluttering closed.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I looked at her pale face. Time seemed to stand still, the chaos of the gunfight fading into the background as I lowered her gently to the ground. My hands were trembling as I pressed them to her side, trying to stop the bleeding, but the blood was already staining my hands, dark and thick.

"Sophie," I whispered, my voice breaking. Her eyes fluttered open, dazed and unfocused, but she was still conscious. That was something. I had to hold onto that. "Stay with me, okay? You're going to be fine. Just stay with me."

She coughed weakly, a pained smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Ryan..." Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was filled with so much emotion—fear, love, and something that felt like goodbye.

I couldn't let her go. I couldn't let this happen.

Behind me, I could hear Luca's footsteps drawing closer, his presence a dark shadow over everything. I was out of time. If I didn't do something now, Sophie would bleed out, and Luca would finish the job. My mind raced, trying to think of a way out, but there was only one thing left to do.

I glanced down at Sophie, my heart aching as I brushed the hair from her face. "I love you," I whispered, my voice raw with emotion.

Before she could respond, I grabbed the gun at my side and spun around, firing off two shots in Luca's direction. The bullets found their mark, hitting him square in the chest. Luca's eyes widened in shock as he staggered back, clutching his chest, before he collapsed to the ground.

For a moment, everything was silent. The gunfire had stopped, and the only sound was the harsh breathing of the few remaining men from Luca's crew, who were too stunned to move.

I turned back to Sophie, my heart sinking at the sight of her pale face. She was losing too much blood, too fast. I had to get her out of here.

"Caleb!" I shouted, my voice hoarse. "We need to move! Now!"

Caleb appeared out of the shadows, looking as shaken as I felt. He took one look at Sophie and nodded grimly. "We need to get her to a hospital."

I didn't need him to tell me that. But the closest hospital was miles away, and I wasn't sure Sophie had that kind of time.

Still, there was no other choice.

Sophie's POV

Everything was fading—my vision, my thoughts, the sound of Ryan's voice. It felt like I was drifting away, floating in this strange space between consciousness and darkness. I could hear him calling my name, feel his hands on me, but it was distant, like a dream I couldn't fully grasp.

The pain in my side was overwhelming, but even worse was the ache in my chest. Not from the bullet, but from the fear of leaving Ryan behind. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to let go of him.

But the darkness was pulling me down, and I wasn't sure how much longer I could fight it.

Ryan's POV

The drive to the hospital felt like a nightmare. Caleb floored it, speeding through the empty roads as fast as the car would go. I held Sophie in the backseat, pressing my hands to her wound, desperately trying to stop the bleeding. But no matter what I did, the blood kept flowing, and her breaths were getting weaker.

"Come on, Sophie," I muttered, my voice shaking. "Stay with me. We're almost there. Just a little longer."

Her eyes fluttered open, barely focusing on me, but it was enough to give me hope. "Ryan..." she whispered, her voice so soft I could barely hear her.

"I'm here," I said, my throat tight. "I'm right here. Don't you dare give up on me, Sophie."

Her lips curved into the faintest smile, but it was fragile, like it could disappear at any moment. "I... love you..."

The words hit me like a punch to the chest. I wanted to tell her I loved her too, that we would have more time, but the sight of her blood-streaked face stole the words from my mouth. I didn't know if we had more time. I didn't know if I could save her.