Chapter 21

The knife glinted in Laris' hand, its edge catching Lena's wide, terrified eyes. "I'll kill you, Lena!" Laris shrieked, lunging forward. Caleb and Micah reacted instantly and threw themselves in front of Lena. Caleb yanked her into his arms to shield her, while Micah took the brunt of Laris' attack, the blade sinking into his side. Lena stood frozen, trembling in Caleb's embrace. The chaos had unfolded too swiftly to grasp. Laris clawed at the knife, desperate to free it for another strike. But just then, a security guard charged in and kicked her to the ground. "Call 911!" a voice yelled. "She's trying to kill her!" Panic overtook the patrons and wait staff at the restaurant. Waiters fumbled for their phones, voices tangling as they dialed for help. "Lena, are you okay?" Caleb asked, his voice heavy with worry as he studied her ashen face. Lena snapped out of her shock, hands frantically checking him for wounds. "I'm fine," Caleb said, pulling her close. "I'm fine." Upon s