Before Caspian could fully grasp the chaos unfolding around him, the deafening crack of a gunshot shattered the air.

Ricardo’s hand was steady, his face cold, as the bullet tore through the space between them, its trajectory fixed on Caspian.

"Look out!" Dominic’s voice sliced through the tension like a knife. In a desperate move, he lunged forward, slamming into Caspian with all his strength.

The push sent them sprawling onto the cold, unforgiving floor, the sound of their collision echoing in the confined space.

Caspian landed hard on his injured right arm. A sharp, searing pain shot through him, forcing a guttural cry of agony from his lips.

“Argh!”...