Elena's POV

The gunshot cracked the world in half.

Damian staggered, breath catching in his throat. The sound echoed off the metal walls, and for a moment, I couldn't tell if it was my heartbeat or the explosion still rumbling above us.

He dropped to one knee.

Blood spread across his shirt, a crimson bloom over the black fabric.

"No-no, no-Damian!"

I grabbed him, pulling him closer, hands trembling as they pressed against the wound. The air was thick with gunpowder, smoke, and the ...