CHAPTER 140
But... silence hung in the air, a dense suspense like a night fog. Only the rustle of leaves in the wind broke the stillness, creating an atmosphere full of expectation. Suddenly, a sharp sound shattered the tranquillity, cutting through the air with precision and brutality. It was the crack of a gunshot, an echo that reverberated through the darkness, making the heart beat urgently.
The sound of the gunshot dissipated, leaving behind a palpable tension. The air seemed charged with the weight of uncertainty as the shadows closed in around the site of the incident. The day, a silent accomplice, held secrets that now echoed in that single sound that had shattered the night's peace. What would follow that shot? Who would be the protagonist or the victim of that moment that cut through the air like a sharp blade in the twilight? The suspense persisted, feeding the imagination with obscure possibilities while the echo of the gunshot faded into the abyss of the unknown.
But... Elizabeth's eyes bulged, seeming about to escape from their sockets, as dread settled into her expression. The silence that followed the shot was like a specter hanging over her, freezing even the air in her lungs.
Her body trembled involuntarily, as if the wave of fear had the power to unravel her very essence. Each second dragged on like an eternity as she tried to process what had just happened. The piercing sound of that gunshot echoed in her mind, like a sinister symphony that resonated within the walls of her own terror.
Despair hung in the air like a suffocating mist as Charles, wounded and consumed by the pain of imminent loss, crawled towards the gun lying on the ground. His eyes, now filled with a distorted determination, reflected the insanity that gripped him. The echo of the gunshot still reverberated in the night as he shakily grabbed the gun, the only tangible connection to the control he thought he had lost.
His only thought was clear: If I don't get her, no one will.
Without hesitation, Charles pointed the gun in the direction of the helpless couple. Elizabeth, petrified by the shock and tragedy unfolding before her eyes, barely had time to react. But Jack, driven by a primal instinct to protect, acted faster than any rational thought would allow.
With surprising agility, Jack threw himself in front of Elizabeth, like a human shield against the deadly threat that was approaching. The crack of the gun echoed again, but this time accompanied by the sound of the projectile cutting through the air as it found its way into Jack's flesh.
A scream of agony broke the silence of the night, echoing like a macabre soundtrack to the deadly dance that was taking place. Elizabeth, awakened by adrenaline, watched in horror as blood stained Jack's skin. His arm, grazed, was a visual testimony to the courage he had displayed to protect her.
Jack, on the ground, was in terrible pain as he was hit by Charles' kicks.
Charles' cruel smile adorned his face like a sinister mask, highlighting the darkness that had taken possession of his soul. Even wounded, he seemed fueled by a sick determination, an obsession that drove him to take Elizabeth with him, whatever the cost.
As blood stained the ground, Jack and Elizabeth found themselves locked in a tense stalemate. Charles' cold gaze was fixed on his prey, and the evil glint in his eyes indicated that he would not back down easily. His plan, driven by a sick obsession, seemed to transcend any logic or compassion.
The air was thick with tension, the night witnessing the clash between reason and madness. Jack, still recovering from his wound, held Elizabeth tightly, determined to protect her from the shadow that loomed over them. Elizabeth, for her part, stared at Charles with a mixture of fear and revulsion, aware that the danger had not yet passed.
Charles' cruel smile became more menacing, as if it were a silent warning that he was willing to do anything to fulfill her dark desires. The suspense hung in the air, making every breath a countdown to the next move in the deadly dance that was unfolding.
Charles, Charles, brutally lifted Elizabeth up and pulled her by the hair, where pain and fear made her screams echo in the air. Her agony was a dissonant symphony, reverberating throughout the confines of the place.
Jack, with fury in his eyes despite the pain, acted quickly.
He removed his small gun from his mouth, a precaution he had learned to take years ago in the face of imminent danger.
A single shot tore through the atmosphere, creating an echoing wave that mixed with Elizabeth's screams. The sound of the bullet cutting through the air brought with it a sharp suspense, as if time had frozen in that instant.
Another shot... Coming from somewhere...
The first shot came from Jack's gun, hitting Charles' shoulder, making him groan in pain, but not letting go of Elizabeth. The second shot came from Frankison, who had arrived and seen the whole scene and with horror saw that man hurting his twin sister.
Frankison was seized with an enormous fury when he heard his sister's terrified screams, and so he took aim without hesitation and fired...
That shot hit him square in the spine, leaving that man helpless on the ground.
Elizabeth, smarting up, kicked Charles' gun away and ran into Jack's arms.
Frankison handcuffed Charles, even over the moans and howls of pain.
Wynn and Bill soon arrived and helped carry that monster to Carson's wagon, which was on its way...
Elizabeth was embraced by them all. Her brother and parents were very proud of her courage. Jack didn't let go of her hand at any point, as he seemed afraid of losing it.
Frankison took Elizabeth in his arms and placed her in front of Jack on top of Sargent, who was already waiting for his wife. He hugged her, and together they began the ride back to Hope Valle.
As they rode towards the town, leaving behind the nightmare they had faced, the scene finally unfolded into a moment of well-deserved peace and happiness. The city, appearing in the distance, began to reveal itself as a beacon of hope, signaling the arrival of better times.
Relief filled the air, replacing the tension that had dominated every breath before. Jack, with his wounded arm, held Elizabeth tenderly, as if protecting her not only from external dangers, but also from the shadow of the tragedy that had pursued them.
The soft light of the city, which was now appearing on the horizon, symbolized a new beginning, a chance to rebuild after the darkness that had tried to consume them. The road ahead, illuminated by this hope, reappeared as a promise of more serene days.
The glances between Jack and Elizabeth conveyed a deep complicity, reinforced by the bond strengthened during the ordeal. Each step towards the city was a step towards a new narrative, where resilience and courage triumphed over adversity.
As they entered the city, the outlines of the city lights brought the night scene to life. It was as if the city itself was celebrating the arrival of these survivors, offering a welcoming refuge to heal the emotional and physical wounds.