Chapter 44: Stained

Chapter 44: Stained       The first shot hit its mark.   Valerian's bullet tore through Adrian's abdomen and the force of impact sent the man staggering backward with a choked grunt. But Valerian didn't stop there. The moment Adrian fired his gun, Valerian responded with lethal precision, squeezing the trigger twice more in rapid succession. One shot buried itself into Adrian's thigh as the other pierced his uninjured shoulder.   Adrian let out a guttural, agonized groan as his body collapsed onto the marble floor with a sickening thud. Blood spread quickly beneath him that stained the pristine surface in dark, seeping pools. His body convulsed slightly from the shock. His breath became ragged and uneven. His grip shook as he tried but failed to lift his weapon again. Although his fury remained burning in his amber eyes but it was weakened now as he began drowning beneath the sheer agony wracking his body.   Valerian barely spared Adrian another glance. The man was down, incapacitated,