Riley's POV
I wrap my arms around Theo in a brief embrace, the warmth of his body providing momentary comfort before a thunderous crash erupts from the store's interior. The sound reverberates through my bones as Freya's body flies across the room like a rag doll, her frame colliding with the far wall in a sickening thud. The impact sends books and trinkets cascading to the floor in a symphony of destruction.
My feet move without conscious thought, carrying me to where Freya lies crumpled against the weathered brick. Her breathing comes in shallow gasps as I kneel beside her, my hands trembling as they assess the damage. Blood seeps from cuts along her arms and a nasty gash above her left eyebrow paints crimson streaks down her pale cheek.
