After a moment, Alexandria regained her composure.
However, seeing Cristinaâs concerned face, she turned away in disgust and snapped, âShut up!â
Realizing Alexandria wouldnât be swayed, my patience snapped.
Every minute wasted put Dylan in greater peril.
I signaled Carlos with a glance.
His brow furrowed, and he tightened his grip.
In the next instant, a chilling crack echoed; Alexandriaâs eyes shot wide open in terror, and everyone heard the sound of her bones crushing.
Cristina screamed in horror, instinctively lunging at Carlos, trying to throttle him, but he pushed her away effortlessly.
She stumbled back, her voice desperate.
âAlexandria, stop it this instant! If you continue like this, you will die!â
Initially, Alexandria was furiously struggling, trying to break free from Carlosâ grasp, but her face soon turned a ghastly shade of blue and purple, her eyes darkening with despair as she looked at me helplessly.
I frowned, feeling the weight of the roomâs eyes on me, yet I did not signal Carlos to release his grip.
Debra took my hand, her expression laden with concern.
I shook my head and whispered to her, âItâs okay.
Donât worry.
â
Alexandriaâs struggles began to fade; her face deepened to a purple-red, her eyes widening in a ghastly manner.
Cristina, witnessing Alexandria nearing death, broke down completely.
She cried out, âStop! Donât hurt her! Alexandria, please! Donât die! Hold on!â
As Alexandria gasped for air, Cristinaâs fear and heartbreak overflowed.
She glared at Carlos and screamed, âYou heartless monster! Sheâs your cousin! Let her go!â
I observed the scene impassively, my gaze devoid of emotion.
Debra, moved by the tragic scene, looked away, her lips parting as if to speak, but my stern glance silenced her.
I squeezed her hand and reassured her, âItâs alright.
Nothing will happen to Dylan.
â
Soon after, Alexandria lost consciousness.
The tension in the air snapped like a tightrope cut loose.
Cristina let out a piercing scream and collapsed to the ground.
Carlos finally relaxed his grip and stepped back, his face a mask of gloom and complexity.
Calebâs POV:
Seeing the scene unfold, Debraâs complexion turned ashen.