CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR: Hazel is Shot!

MARIUS’ POV:

The news hit me like a sledgehammer: Hazel had been shot!

Hazel’s unconscious and bloody image I saw on TV keeps flashing in my head as I sprint through the hallways of the hospital where she’s brought.

Outside Hazel’s room, Carter is already there with Mr. Montgomery, both looking extremely worried.

Carter's eyebrow shoots up the instant he sees me, but I just brush past him and address Mr. Montgomery directly.

“How is she?”

Mr. Montgomery says, “The doctor said that a bullet is currently lodged near her heart and that she needs surgery as soon as possible. But even with the surgery, there’s no guarantee that she’ll survive this.”

My blood runs cold, and I blink back my tears.

“Is there any lead on who may have done this?” I ask.

“The police said it may be someone who has a personal vendetta against her,” Mr. Montgomery replies, sinking to a bench and burying his face in his hands.

Carter places a reassuring hand on Mr. Montgomery’s shoulder. “I’ll find out who did t