Chapter 9 - The Bleeding King
I collapsed heavily onto my knees, my vision blurring instantly as dark blood poured rapidly from my chest wound. Despite the blinding agony, I refused to let go of the small blue vial gripped tightly in my hand. Clara screamed my name in absolute terror, dropping her stolen weapon and rushing frantically to my side. The warehouse doors suddenly exploded inward as heavily armored tactical trucks finally breached the perimeter. My loyal men poured into the building like a tidal wave of righteous, unstoppable fury. They opened fire with relentless precision, completely decimating the panicked Rossi mercenaries in mere seconds. My lead enforcer aimed his weapon upward and fired a massive burst into the catwalk, sending Harland's lifeless body crashing down to the floor. Antonio tried to crawl away in the chaos, but he was quickly surrounded and dragged away in heavy steel chains. Clara fell to her knees beside me, her hands covered in my blood as she desperately applied pressure to the massive wound. I forced my shaking hand upward, pressing the blue vial firmly into her trembling fingers. I used the absolute last ounce of my fading strength to order her to save little Nora immediately. Clara cried hysterically, tearing the cap off the vial and rushing to pour the lifesaving liquid down her daughter's throat. I watched through fading, blurry vision as the color slowly began to return to Nora's pale cheeks. Clara rushed back to my side, ripping the fabric of her uniform to create a crude tourniquet for my bleeding chest. Nora stumbled over to us, placing her tiny, warm hands gently against my cold, pale face. She begged Mr. Luca not to close his eyes and leave them alone in the dark. I managed to smile weakly at the brave little girl who had scrubbed my shirt in the freezing water just hours ago. The warehouse slowly dissolved into absolute blackness as the sound of blaring ambulance sirens faded entirely away.
