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“Don’t move,” blurted Elara.
“Do you really have what it takes to pull the trigger? You’re nothing but a florist.”
Just then, the door to the room burst open. Finally, my men poured in, their guns drawn as looks of panic spread across the room. Whatever resistance they encountered, I could tell it was vanquished. What happened next was a flurry.
The goons went for their guns. My men shot at them, sending bolts flying across the room. I ran for Jocelyn, dodging blasts just as she lunged for Elara. Elara dropped the gun as she locked up with the scientist.
I fell over a corpse on the ground and scrambled back to my feet as quickly as I could manage. Up ahead, Jocelyn slapped Elara and pushed her back. She went for the gun just as I got within close distance of Elara.
Jocelyn pointed it right at her. I couldn’t get close to the scientist in time to apprehend her. Time slowed as she pulled the trigger. I jumped in front of Elara, spreading my body far and wide as the blast flew through the air.
It penetrated my chest. The pain in my body multiplied tenfold.
“No!” screamed Elara.
I gasped in pain, watching as she jumped for Jocelyn. She dived on top of her, sending both women spiraling to the floor. She landed intense blows to the face, stunning the scientist just enough to allow her to pull out the knife from Jocelyn’s hand.
Jocelyn recovered too late, shaking off the dizziness as Elara raised the dagger high. Her eyes widened as the blade came thundering down from above. It plunged into her, a weak whimper escaping from Jocelyn.
“Die!” yelled Elara as Jocelyn’s eyes rolled back in her head.
The gunfire around us came to a screeching halt. I shakily reached for anything nearby as I stumbled to my feet. Ryrik and Laux came running over, putting my arms around their shoulders.
“I’m fine,” I muttered. “Let me stand.”
They backed away as Elara trudged over to me, tears still running down her face. She tried to hold it together but let loose as soon as I took her in my arms.
“Draven…”
“It’s okay, Elara,” I told her, wheezing with each painful breath. I glanced over the room, the walls coated with blood and the ground littered with corpses.
“Grab their weapons and gather the bodies,” I commanded. “And next time, don’t take so damn long.”
“You’re one tough son of a bitch,” said Sakkar.
“Yeah, well…” I replied with a shrug. “Someone had to save the day.”
I looked over to the plant, its oils sitting in a small vial that remained undamaged. I had a feeling that somehow I wasn’t going to be buying a bouquet anytime soon.
“Is it all over?” asked Elara, still clinging to me.
“It seems that way. Come on then. Let’s get you out of here.”
She pulled away, trying her best to smile. As she took a step back, her eyes lowered to my chest, causing her smile to fade. Her brows crossed.
“Boss,” snapped Ryrik. “Your back… Surely that’s not all your blood.”
At that moment, I suddenly became aware of the sensations inside my body. I raised a hand to my head, feeling the warmth of my blood. My back and chest felt like something was pouring out of them.
I peered down, watching the dark stains spread. I looked up first at the men who were dead silent, then at Elara.
“Elara,” I whispered. “I…”
My vision suddenly faded, my world turning black. Strength was snatched from my body, causing my knees to buckle beneath me. I fell to the ground. Everyone rushed to my side.
“Draven!” cried Elara, taking my head in her arms. With effort, she strained my upper body into her legs. Behind her, my men glanced at one another in concern, mumbling amongst themselves.
“Did anyone bring first aid?” asked Laux.
