I let out another scream, this time out of concern for Nicola, as gunfire erupted nearby.

An enormous load landed on my back, crushing my chest and forcing my breath away.

A rapid-fire double-shot.

“Emily!”

"Matthew."

My back felt lighter, and then I understood that Gabriel's lifeless corpse had been thrown upon me. After I saw Mathew push his dead corpse aside, he grabbed for me and felt all over for wounds.

The guy who had held a pistol on Castin was on the floor, whimpering and grasping his shoulder. Mathew’s father loomed over him, his head tilted to one side. When he fired another round into the man's head,...