|Vanez's POV|
My muscles tensed up and my body never stopped trembling because of the cold. I can already taste the blood, it tastes like a metal. I remained lying on the ground but I didn't move even an inch, I didn't crawl. Hell, I won't.
I'd rather die than crawl and beg for my life.
Akira and Azelyn were now talking after she called the people in the mansion. Up until now, I still can't believe they can do such thing like this. How did they go this far? Are my father's love for Akira's still not enough? What about Yukenzo's genuine treatment to Azelyn? Was it still not enough? What is enough then? What would make it enough?
I wonder how will I escape this. For me, they're just weak but their plan is well than what I expected. And... I cannot fight anymore.
I'm loosing my strength, slowly...
"They are here!" One of the goons growled.
They become alarmed. Truth be told, the old oak door created its eerie sound as it opened. Three men appeared. My tears rolled down my cheeks and my hope moves up after seeing them here. Innov is shaking his head at Akira who immediately went near me, Dad's looking at me anxiously and Yukenzo shouted at Azelyn before his eyes found mine.
"Azel, what are you doing? Stop this please!" He shouted angrily.
Behind them are the police, taskforce and other backup. They surrounded the goons and they had nothing to do, Azelyn and Akira's men has no choice but to raise their hands, sign of surrendering. But to our deepest surprise, they started taking out their guns so, the taskforce alerted and the war began.
"Ah! You ruined the show! But nevermind, it must go on..." Azelyn smirked frantically.
I can hear Innov groans from here.
"Akira, stop this already! Mom's stressed! Have mercy on us!"
"Hear us out, Akira. Don't go this far... surrender now and we won't be hurt. Please, stop this..." Dad pleaded. I felt a hallow on my chest.
"No! Akira, don't listen to them. They hurt you! They are unfair to you!" Azelyn told her and glared.
Yukenzo intruded."Azel! Are you hearing yourself? Why are you doing this?!"
"Why? You're asking me why? Well, I'm doing this because of you! Yes, Yuki, you heard me! You pushed me to do this! You hurt me so, I'm here to hurt her, too!" I realized how hopeless she is. I feel sorry for her.
"You won't hurt me? But you already hurt me! You're hurting me! You're hurting my feelings! I thought you're gonna be a father to me? I thought I'm gonna be your only princess? You gave me false hope! I'm your princess when Vanez was gone but when she came back, I became nothing again! I became invisible again!" Akira ranted.
"Akira, we all know that's not true..."
"You shut up, Innov! Even you! You're my own brother, I'm your sister! But you're always there for Vanez! She's always what you're thinking! You all care for her! How about me? I feel unloved and unwanted!" She began crying. They are shocked because of her violent cries.
She looked like she's in madness.
The fight between taskforce and goons continued, gunshots and groans everywhere. When suddenly, Akira went near me and wrapped her one arm around my neck, point a gun in my head.
"Akira!"
"Fuck it!"
"Azelyn, make her stop! Damn!"
Azelyn just laughed at Yukenzo."Why would I stop her? That's her decision. Learn to pay respect." She smirked evilly.
"Shit!" They cursed.
I just closed my eyes and breathed calmly. I can do this. I won't die. I can't die. I shouldn't die.
"You have all the chance to beg, but you chose to be a hero of your own realm! Now, go to hell, my dearest stepsister." She slowly pulled the trigger.
"Noooo!!!"
Loud gunshot echoed in my ears. I waited to feel the pain but nothing came. I opened my eyes and saw Akira struggling with the shot in her hand. She let go of me.
"Vanez!" Innov ran to me and immediately hugged me."Stay here, okay? We're here to save you. Just stay intact." He kissed my forehead.
I nodded while crying silently.
Yukenzo rested his head on my shoulder."I'm sorry, we're late..."
"It's okay..." I whispered and caressed his hair.
I looked at Dad's bloodshot eyes. He was about to hug me, too, but another gunshot echoed.
"There's no way in hell you can escape from us, Vanez! We won't let you! Never!" She pointed her gun at me once again.
"No! Vanez!" Innov ran to hug me.
Then I realized he's covering me. Akira pulled the trigger and the bullet directly hit Innov's back. He smiled at me, his eyes twinkled and a blood flowed down his mouth. My mouth parted and tears burst out.
"N-no!!! I-innov... why did you fucking cover her?!!!" Akira sounded frustrated.
"I-Innov..." my voice trembled as I held him properly.
"I'm sorry... for the trouble. I... love you, Van. You'll always be my sister..." he coughed blood.
I sobbed hard, can't control my tears anymore. I nodded repeatedly.
"It's fine... shhh... I love you, b-brother..." his smile widened and he held my face."Why did you do that?"
"You know... I'll always save you..."
I gasped."P-please, don't rest..." for the first time, I begged not for my life but for his.
His smile weakened."I... I wanna rest now, Van. My body... can't hold it a-anymore... sorry..." tears fell from his eyes.
Fuck!
I cried on bended knees when he slowly, closed his eyes, his breathing stopped but the tears on his cheeks remained. I closed my eyes and opened it again.
Only to utter my farewell."Yes, Innov. You may rest now..." damn it!
My stepbrother didn't make it. He died in my arms.