MARSHALL

My finger squeezes the trigger with perfect intention, the barrel already aligned with Devlin’s chest, the moment so precise it should have ended everything. Then a force slams into my shoulder.

The bullet flies wide and the gunshot cracks through the cabin.

Darren shoves me hard enough that the gun jerks sideways and the shot tears into the wooden wall behind Devlin. Splinters explode into the air.

Devlin does not hesitate, moving as instinct takes over, already backing toward ...