The bullet ripped through the mayhem, mauling everything instantly silent.
Noah's form spasmed stiffly as the bullet tore across his back, a burning blaze ripping through his spine. His gasp froze, snatched away by agony, and his knees folded from under him. His sight failed, darkness flooding in at the corners, yet he still made out the hair-raising shriek.
"NOAH!"
Pong's frantic shout crashed the moment.
Noah fell to the ground, his arms reaching for air, the world around him fading in and out of focus. He gasped to take in air, but his lungs seared, each breath labored and feeble.
The noises around him distorted—distant shots, panicked cries, heavy footsteps. And then—
"NOAH!"
Kai appeared.
Kai's arms closed around Noah's plummeting body, holding him before he struck the hard floor. His own breathing was harsh, desperate, but his hold was firm—strong, desperate, refusing to release Noah.
