Eric let out a sigh. "The oak tree, in the midst of the pines, on a rainy day, the horse's hooves..." Before he could complete his sentence, a loud gunshot echoed around them, followed by Ruby's scream as Eric coughed out blood onto her clothes before going limp in her hands.

Tony immediately jumped into action, pulling the trembling Ruby away from plain sight—where she could be an easy target—into the shadows for safety.

As Tony shielded Ruby with his body, he quickly scanned the surroundings for any signs of the shooter.

The alleyway was cloaked in darkness, the only illumination coming from the faint glow of a distant streetlight....