Chapter 10 - Cornered
Valeria frantically tried to scramble backward, desperate to put distance between herself and the approaching madwoman. But her path was completely blocked. Directly behind her was an impenetrable wall of jagged, twisted metal and shattered crystal from the collapsed chandelier. She was trapped, pinned between the deadly wreckage and the cold, calculating murderer holding the blade.
Daniel, witnessing his pregnant wife’s utter helplessness, went nearly feral with desperation. He ignored the agonizing pain tearing through his side and the terrifying weakness spreading through his limbs. He violently yanked his trapped arm, trying to dislodge the heavy brass beam. The jagged glass sliced deeper into his skin, tearing his flesh, but the heavy structure refused to yield. His breathing grew incredibly shallow, his vision swimming with dark spots as he lost more blood onto the ruined marble floor.
"Run," he choked out, staring fiercely at Valeria. "Valeria, you have to run! Leave me!"
Valeria shook her head violently, pressing herself against the metal debris, her hands refusing to leave her stomach. "I won't leave you," she cried out, her voice breaking. "I will never leave you behind!"
Veronica chuckled, a dry, humorless sound that sent shivers down the spines of the watching hostages. She casually raised the hunting knife, adjusting her grip on the leather handle.
May you like
"How incredibly touching," the older woman sneered. "A tragic romance right to the very bitter end. Don't worry, my dear. You will die together, just as you wished."
With a sudden, terrifying burst of speed, Veronica lunged forward. She thrust the long, gleaming blade downward, aiming with lethal precision directly at the center of Valeria’s swollen, vulnerable belly, intent on ending the life of the unborn heir forever.
