Page 154 of Primal

The Void staggers into the blonde. They crash through a pew.

Lana scrambles upright, clutching her shoulder, eyes wild. “She’s getting away …”

“I see her.” Derek’s already tracking, gun raised—

But Lana lunges, right into his line of fire. The barrel snaps up.

bang.

The bullet pings off the chapel’s iron chandelier instead of blowing through her spine.

“You stupid …” he growls.

She’s already gone.

The knife. The knife is right fucking there—

bang.

The round catches Oni mid-turn. Blood sprays—fucking fountain of it. Arterial.

White Lace screams, crab-walking until her back hits the pew. “Oh god, oh god—”

The Void scrabbles away, one hand raised.

The girls in matching lingerie are moving, one dragging the other toward the exit.

bang.

bang.

I lunge sideways. Snatch the knife. My shoulder screams.

Derek.

I’m airborne before the shots finish echoing.

We slam into the stone, my kneecap cracking on impact.

I drive the knife forward—

He catches my wrist. The blade trembles between us. Tip at his throat.

His gun hand is still free. I slam my palm down on his wrist. Bone grinds. Iron grip. Won’t give.

Elbow to his face. Once. Twice. The plastic creaks. I want it off. Want to feel his nose break.

His knee to my thigh. Dead leg, fuck. I grind down harder.

Can’t feel my fingers. Can’t tell if the blood is his or mine or Josh’s.

“Payton—go!”

I twist, eyes locking on her—

She’s frozen, bloodied, staring like she might come closer.

No.