Vera

The world was shattered with the sound of the gunshot.

My scream tore from my throat before I even knew what had happened. I threw myself over Vanessa, pressing her tiny body to the floor as hot smoke filled the corridor. My heartbeat thundered so violently that I thought it might rip itself free from my chest.

“Vanessa!” My voice cracked as I felt her trembling. I ran my hands frantically down her small body, expecting blood, expecting the unthinkable.

But she was whole. Alive.

The ...