Nathaniel smiled sadly.
As he stood frozen, he shut his eyes tightly.
âBang.
â
A deafening sound echoed in the air.
The shocking thunderclap of a gunshot was followed by a burning, stabbing pain.
Nathaniel had been hit.
Not in his heart, but in his right arm.
He suddenly opened his eyes and looked down.
His white shirt was stained red.
The bullet had grazed his bicep.
The noise behind him stopped.
He turned and saw Eleanor.
Her body was poised to attack, but her expression was glazed.
Crimson blossomed on her chest.
The bullet had pierced her heart.
Blood soaked her dress.
Eleanor was stunned.
She saw the blood on her chest, and her face grew paler.
She closed her eyes and collapsed, hitting the ground, unconscious.
Nathaniel heard applause from outside the door.
Kyson gazed at Lucinda admiringly.
âYouâre too modest, Lucinda.
You havenât shot a weapon for many years, yet you hit your target.
You are a worthy student.
â
Lucinda dropped the revolver.
In the dim light of the cottage, she looked aghast.
She didnât answer him.
Motionless, Nathaniel stared at Kyson.
Kyson sneered.
âWell, you won.
We played a game.
Lucinda had to choose between you and this woman.
Even though you came to the suburbs for a date with some woman behind Lucindaâs back, she still chose you.
Iâm envious.
â
âWhat do you mean? A game?â Nathaniel trembled as a chill cut through him.
Pursing his lips, he frowned at Lucinda.
She was staring at Eleanor, unconscious, or perhaps dead, on the ground.
Lucindaâs voice sounded robotic when she asked Kyson, âIs this what you wanted to see? Is it interesting?â
âNo, I never wanted to make you unhappy,â Kyson said, softly.
âYouâre young, and itâs natural for you to want a good-looking man by your side.
I would protect you and listen to you.
Weâve known each other for many years.
Weâre closer than you are to this man.
â
Nathaniel frowned, fixating on the words, âWeâve known each other for many yearsâ.
The two men watched Lucinda.