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Our eyes lock. He’s deadly serious. But calm, too. As if he’s been preparing his whole life to take a bullet for his brother.

My finger is on the trigger. I don’t want to pull, but I’ve made my choice. I’m not leaving Kian to die. I’m going to do whatever I can.

You started this. Only you can end it.

Before I can decide what to do, an explosion goes off. So close that it hurls us both against the wall.

I see smoke.

I smell ash.

I taste blood.

And all I can think is…

Oh, God—my baby.