137

MAXINE

I shut my eyes, fear gripping me in a way that it had never done before. I had been shot. Never have I been shot before. I looked down at my body, searching for the gun wound.

I needed to stop the bleeding. But I realized that I was fine. I looked at Oz, he was unarmed. And then Cinder. She was also unarmed.

I heard the thud behind me and turned to see one of the rogues drop to the ground, gripping a gun wound on his chest.

"Thank you, Zel." Oz exhaled even though she couldn't hear him.

Cinder frowned. A few moments later, Zel and Raine ran into the house. "Are all of them gone?" Raine asked.

Oz nodded. "Yes." He replied, "Nice save, by the way. That was quick." He told Zel. She smiled.

"Where did you get the gun?" Cinder asked, her voice firm and authoritative. She did not sound pleased.

"It doesn't matter, Mom. I know you don't like guns but they're easier than swords and daggers, and even arrows." Zel replied.

I wanted to defend her but it wasn't my place. I didn't have a sa