Chapter 8 - The Human Shield
The final, violent blow shattered the doorframe. The brass deadbolt tore through the splintered wood, and the heavy door swung inward, crashing against the nursery wall with a deafening bang.
Rebeca stood in the threshold, breathing heavily, the steel tenderizer gripped tightly in her hand. Her wine-colored robe was disheveled, her eyes completely devoid of sanity. She stepped into the room, her gaze locking onto Sofía, who was cowering in the corner by the toy chest.
"I am going to erase you," Rebeca hissed, taking a slow, deliberate step forward.
Mateo’s entire body was trembling, his muscles screaming with the urge to run. But he looked at his sister’s terrified, tear-streaked face, and a profound, overriding instinct completely erased his fear. He stepped directly into Rebeca’s path, throwing his arms out wide to create a physical barrier.
"Do not come near her!" Mateo screamed, his high-pitched voice echoing with a fierce, unexpected authority. "Leave her alone!"
Rebeca stopped, glaring down at the ten-year-old boy. She laughed, a cold, grating sound that sent shivers down Mateo’s spine.
"Get out of my way, Mateo," Rebeca warned, raising the steel tool slightly. "This doesn't concern you. I just want the girl. She is the anchor holding your father back."
Mateo didn't move an inch. He planted his feet wider, gritting his teeth.
"You will have to go through me first!" Mateo yelled through his tears. He didn't care about the heavy steel in her hand. He didn't care about his own safety. He was the older brother, the protector of the innocent, the guardian of his mother’s memory.
Sofía cried out, tugging frantically at the back of Mateo’s shirt. "Mateo, don't move! Please don't move!" she begged, terrified that if he stepped aside, the monster would consume her.
May you like
"I won't let her hurt you, Sofi," Mateo promised, his voice cracking but resolute. He stared directly into Rebeca's dark, furious eyes. "I am not afraid of you."
Rebeca’s face contorted into an ugly snarl. She tightened her grip on the weapon, pulled her arm back, and took a massive, fatal step toward the children, ready to strike down the boy who dared to defy her.
