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Vera
Feeling Ruslan leave my side so abruptly in the middle of the crowd threatens to send me into hysterics.
I haven’t had enough time to process what happened here, and the one person I trusted to keep me safe here has disappeared on me.
I can’t waste time allowing myself to freak out and shut down, but I might not have a choice if things get really out of hand.
When I remember what we’re here for, my fear and horror strangle my guts.
Things aresupposedto get out of hand here. Someone is guaranteed to die, and whether they deserve it or not is irrelevant.
“Yan, what should we do? Are we just supposed to stay behind?” I ask frantically.
“I’m not sure, I’ve never seen this happen before. All we can do is hope that he gets ahold of himself before his anger throws him off his mission,” Yan replies, shouting through the swarm of people encompassing us.
The fairground is a blur of color and noise as Yan and I push our way through the crowds. Ruslan has disappeared into the throng, leaving us behind to fend for ourselves.
It's not the first time I've been abandoned, but this time feels different. This time, I don't feel helpless or alone. I feel strong, capable of facing anything that comes our way.
Yan keeps a tight grip on my hand as we move through the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of Ruslan's distinctive figure. We're like two lost children in a sea of chaos, and I can't help but think of the friends I entertained for so long who selfishly left me behind when my novelty had worn off.
But unlike them, Yan is loyal and dependable. He won't abandon me, no matter what.
Suddenly, Ruslan bursts through the crowd, tackling Theo and pushing him into the back of his booth. Yan and I watch in stunned silence as Ruslan attempts to subdue Theo, his movements quick and efficient.
He's a powerful force of nature, fierce and unstoppable.
For a moment, I feel a surge of triumph. Ruslan may have left us behind, but he's taking control of the situation before Theo finds the upper hand. Ruslan has everything under control.
But that temporary victory is quickly disrupted when Yan is shot beside me. I look over to him in horror, unable to process what’s happened before the entire crowd devolves into chaos.
Through the swarm of screaming, panicked fairgoers, I see the shooter in the distance and know it can be none other than Derick. He walks with a posture of authority and confrontation that reminds me of Ruslan in the most disconcerting way.
He's the kind of man who thinks his size gives him dominion over everyone around him, and nobody in his life has ever shown him otherwise.
Yan is dead from the first shot, and I'm left with a terrible choice. Do I run and protect the baby on my own, or do I seek help from Ruslan and give up control of the situation? It's a decision that would have been impossible for me to make just a few months ago, but now it's clear.
Derick fires at me, and I know I have to flee toward Ruslan if I have any chance of surviving. I won't make it on my own. I need him, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I swore to myself that I would stay by his side when he chose to raise this baby with me, and I can’t give up on him now.
I run as fast as I can, dodging hysterical children and violently helpless men through the panicked crowds. I see Ruslan up ahead, his back to me as he continues the fight to end Theo’s life and avenge Misha.
I scream his name, hoping to God he'll hear me above the noise.
He turns, his expression fierce and determined. For a moment, we lock eyes, and I see a flash of concern in his gaze. He knows something is wrong, but he's ready to face it even if this moment will become his undoing.
32
Ruslan
Ifind myself with Theo pressed against the wall, his eyes blazing with contempt and hatred. I know I have the upper hand, but he refuses to back down, even if it means fighting to the death.
My brother's murderer is right in front of me, and all it would take is one quick move to end this once and for all.
However, Vera's sudden scream interrupts my frenzied stream of consciousness, and I can't risk her safety for my revenge. I'm faced with an impossible decision, one that will alter the course of my life forever.
Time seems to freeze as I realize what must be done.
I have to make a choice.
