บท 55: Chapter fifty-four

Isabel POV

Through the window, I saw movement—a shadow darting between the trees. My stomach tightened.

Miguel crouched by the door, his gun in hand, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring. Marissa stood near the back window, her sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. 

"Stay low," Miguel said, glancing at me briefly. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made my chest tighten.

I wanted to argue, to tell him I could help, but the burning pain in my side reminded me that I wasn't in any condition to fight. Instead, I nodded, gripping the ledger tightly.

The first shot shattered the stillness.

Miguel POV

The bullet tore through the wooden frame of the window, splinters raining onto the floor. I moved instinctively, pressing my back to the wall as I scanned the shadows outside.

"Southwest corner," Marissa called out, her voice steady despite the chaos.