Chapter 5 - Debt of Blood
The sharp crack of the gunshot echoed deafeningly in the enclosed steel cabin.
Emma felt the hot bite of lead graze her upper shoulder, the kinetic impact throwing her against the metal bulkhead. But the distraction was all Julian needed.
With blinding speed, Julian closed the distance, deflecting the mercenary’s rifle barrel upward as a second round chewed into the ceiling. Julian drove his elbow into the man’s throat, sweeping his legs out and slamming his heavy frame onto the concrete-and-steel floor. The mercenary reached for a sidearm, but Julian’s boot came down with brutal, decisive finality, knocking the man unconscious.
""Mommy!"" Leo shrieked, scrambling off the crate and throwing his small arms around Emma's legs.
Emma slid down the wall, clutching the toddler to her chest, ignoring the warm blood soaking her sleeve. ""I'm here, baby. I'm here. You're safe.""
Julian dropped to his knees beside them, his breath ragged. He examined Emma’s shoulder, tearing a strip of cloth from his shirt to bind the wound. His eyes were wide, panicked. ""You idiot. You could have been killed.""
""I protected our son,"" Emma breathed, wincing as he tightened the makeshift tourniquet. ""Just like I should have four years ago.""
Leo looked up at Julian, tears clinging to his lashes. ""Dad, the bad man said I wasn't allowed to see you anymore.""
Julian gently pulled Leo into his embrace, kissing the top of his head while keeping an arm firmly around Emma's back. ""Nobody is taking you from us, Leo. Ever.""
The ship’s horn sounded a deep, ominous blast. Above them, the heavy steel bulkheads slammed shut with a hydraulic hiss. The lights flickered and switched to a dull red emergency strobe.
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A voice blared through the cabin's intercom: ""Valkyrie departing port in three minutes. Flood the lower ballast. Clean up the mess.""
The low rumble of seawater pumps began to vibrate beneath their feet. Water immediately started surging through the floor grates at an alarming rate.
