CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 69
Evelyn’s POV 

I saw him collapse before the sound of the gunshot reached my ears. Kieran collapsed abruptly like a tree in a violent storm and ended up on his knees in the muddy ground. My heart stopped, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. Adrian landed in Damien’s arms before I dashed ahead, calling out for Kieran until my voice broke.

Damien caught Adrian in his arms as soon as he heard him cry out. Rain soaked my clothes as I sprinted forward while each footfall scorched my legs. Victor and the prototype loomed above Kieran, holding their weapon. The lightning behind them transformed their silhouettes into demonic figures hewn from shadows.

“Stay back!” I screamed. A grin formed on Victor’s lips when he lifted his gun. “Evelyn, dear, you’ve done so much already. His words were gentle, but each sentence carried an underlying threat of violence.

I felt ice spread through my veins. While I knew Adrian was secure with Damien's protection, I had to save Kieran. Deep within me, every instinct bellowed to shoot Victor. Instead, I charged forward. My coat fluttered behind me in the wind while water seeped through its fabric, making it feel as burdensome as guilt.

Kieran struggled to his feet. Blood covered his shirt while he locked eyes with me and made a wordless request. “Eve,” he gasped. His voice sounded thin but contained unmistakable love. I didn’t hesitate. 

The prototype held position above Kieran's head with its fingers ready to fire. I dove between them, arms wide. A single bullet ripped through the air. A wildfire-like explosion of pain erupted throughout my chest. The thick mud enveloped me as I fell to the ground while darkness surged through my vision.

I tasted blood—metallic and bitter. As I coughed up blood, my chest ached while I felt the comforting warmth of Kieran’s hand on my shoulder amidst the cold. The sound of Adrian's cries reached my ears as I gripped my blouse near the bullet impact point. The rain fell across us, yet failed to extinguish the burning inferno within my chest.

“Eve!” Kieran shouted, voice cracking. He seized my shoulders while his face displayed an expression of terror. I attempted to smile at him, but the overwhelming pain swept me under like a tidal wave. The prototype had vacant eyes as Victor displayed his victorious look.

“Too bad,” Victor said. She rescued him, but at what expense? They left me bleeding in the mud. 

Kieran dropped to his knees next to me with his trembling hands touching the injury. His tears fell on my hair, which was already wet from the rain. “Stay with me,” he begged. “Don’t you dare leave me.” 

I coughed again, lungs burning. Damien came running forward with Adrian wrapped tightly in his arms. His face was ashen. He shouted, “Mom!” as he fell to his knees beside me. My free hand was taken by him as his fingers felt cold and shook uncontrollably.

I touched his cheek, wincing. I spoke softly, "I'm fine", but my words felt like false assurances. “He’s okay.” I looked at Kieran. “You… protect them.” 

His face crumpled. He leaned his forehead against mine while raindrops combined with his tears. “I can’t lose you,u too,” he said. “Not you.” 

I shook my head. “You have to.” My voice trembled, but his arms gave me strength. “Promise me you’ll finish this.” 

He nodded, tears in his eyes. His hand tightened around mine. “I promise.” 

I turned to Damien. Damien heard me say to him and Adrian, 'Go,' but my smile transformed into a sob. “Find safety. “I love you.” He paused with tears streaming down his face. He pressed his cheek to mine. 

“Love you too, Mom,” he whispered. Then he stood, picking up his brother. After a brief look at Kieran, he disappeared into the tree line.

Kieran embraced me tightly while I remained motionless in the mud with laboured breaths. Rain pounded heavily against everything and muted all other sounds. He brushed away mud from my hair using his trembling fingers before planting a kiss on my forehead.

Suddenly, a shout echoed through the storm. Footsteps thundered across the wet ground. Police officers with their K-9 units and search teams flooded the island. As search teams and police officers combed through the darkness with their flashlights, they looked for Victor and the prototype while they also pursued us.

I felt Kieran tense beside me. “We’re not safe yet,” he murmured. He looked toward the trees before returning his eyes to me. “Hang on.” 

He pulled his cracked-screen phone from his pocket. He dialled a number. “It’s me,” he said. “She’s been shot. Yes, I need backup. His voice quivered when he spoke, but he remained upright while holding me close.

I forced my eyes to remain open. Adrian’s cries echoed through the trees. Through the rain, I watched as Damien and Kieran’s men appeared carrying the boys toward us. My breath hitched. Relief and dread warred inside me. 

Kieran set me down softly on the ground and covered me with his coat. “Help’s coming,” he said, voice firm. “Just stay with me.” 

I nodded, closing my eyes. The rain beat still, the thunder rolling. Pressure was applied to my wound through my hands. A medic’s voice murmured instructions. Warm light flooded my vision while my body trembled.

I fought to stay conscious. They lifted me onto a stretcher and carried me through the trees while I experienced the world shifting around me as we moved toward the commission’s boats waiting at the island’s far end.

When we arrived at the shoreline, I grabbed Kieran's hand. He knelt by me, holding my gaze. “I love you,” he whispered. “Hold on.” 

I attempted to respond with “I love you too,o” but the medic prepared to give me the final injection while rain streaked down my closed eyelids.

Kieran’s voice remained with me as I drifted away, calling my name softly yet desperately above the raging storm.

And then darkness. 

The sound of the hospital monitor humming steadily alongside the hissing rain tapping on the window woke me up. As my eyes slowly opened, I saw Kieran hovering above me with a pale but relieved expression. To his side, Ethan and Marina kept watch while Damien and Adrian remained seated nearby.

I tried to speak. 

Kieran quickly reached for his lips before moving in closer. “You’re awake,” he whispered. 

Pain threaded through my chest as I blinked my eyes open. “What… happened?” 

“You’re safe,” he said. “But it’s not over.” 

As I scanned the room, I noticed the wires and bandages attached to my chest. “They got away,” I said softly. “Victor and the prototype.” 

Kieran closed his eyes, sighing. “Yes. The threat has emerged from the shadows. They know where we are.” 

I swallowed. “Then they’ll come for us all.” 

Adrian reached for my hand, eyes wide. “Mom?” 

I managed a small smile. “I’m here, baby.” 

Damien pressed close. “We’ll protect you.” 

Kieran nodded as his eyes connected with mine and then those of the boys. “All of us,” he said. “Together.” 

I squeezed his hand. “Together.” 

As he kissed my forehead, the storm beyond the window faded away.

The lights began to flicker before the nurse made her way into the room. She checked my IV, her face grim. 

Kieran looked at me, heart pounding. “What is it?” 

The nurse cleared her throat. “There’s someone… here to see you. He says it’s urgent.” 

Kieran’s brow furrowed. “Who?” 

She checked her clipboard. “He won’t say his name. He says he’s with… Blackfang.” 

Kieran’s eyes narrowed. “Bring him in.” 

My heart stopped. 

I knew who that could be. 

The storm's darkness murmured the truth that no end was ever absolute.