Undeterred, Gale continued, âWorrying wonât help now, Debra.
Itâs too late.
Caleb wonât leave now that he knows youâre pregnant.
That must be why you hid it, hmm?â
A malicious glint flickered in her eyes.
âSuch devotion! You followed Caleb even when pregnant, just like I would have.
Unfortunately, your plan is doomed to fail.
â
The blood drained from Debraâs face.
My fists clenched tighter.
Galeâs laughter twisted into a cruel sound.
âBecause regardless, I will kill you both.
Your child was a pleasant surprise.
Itâll ensure Caleb never leaves.
â
Ignoring Gale, I locked eyes with Debra, my heart a gaping wound, bleeding with every ragged breath.
Galeâs words were undeniably true.
Her aim was clear: leverage the child to chain me to Debra.
She guessed right.
Abandoning Debra wasnât an option; it never was.
âCaleb, donât! Itâs obviously a trap!â Carlosâ panicked grip tightened.
âYouâll die!â
Debraâs pain-filled expression held my gaze.
Without hesitation, I injured Carlos.
âIâm so sorry, Carlos.
But I canât leave.
The Thorn Edge Pack is now your responsibility.
â
My steps were resolute as I marched towards Debra.
This time, Gale offered no resistance.
Perhaps, after countless casualties on both sides, her goal was already achieved.
With my death, the Thorn Edge Pack would be hers for the taking.
But she underestimated them.
Galeâs power was undeniable, but could a pack under siege be so easily crushed?
I had faith in Carlosâ ability to lead the resistance.
Confidently, I broke free from Carlosâ restraints and charged towards the flames.
But what I overlooked was Debraâs desire to protect me.
Just as I lunged into the flames, a sudden smile played on Debraâs lips.
Her face, etched with sadness, filled my vision.
âCaleb,â she whispered softly, âI love you.
Live a long, fulfilling life.
The she waved her hand.
âDebra.
â
My eyes widened, but the blinding white light engulfed me.