In the confusion, Viggo scooped up Cruella with one arm, grabbed Carmilla with the other, and bolted for the exit without looking back.
I had just taken a step when he shoved me hard.
“Move!”
I wasn’t prepared for that. I slammed into the edge of a desk. Pain tore through my lower back. Before I could steady myself, another desk was knocked over by the crowd and crashed down on my leg.
I let out a muffled groan. I was trapped in place!
Above us, a ceiling light broke free, falling straight toward Carmilla.
“Carmilla!”
Viggo reacted on instinct.
He released Cruella and lunged forward, throwing his body over Carmilla.
The light fixture smashed into his back. Blood soaked through his shirt almost instantly.
But he didn’t make a sound. He only held Carmilla tightly and said in a rushed, hoarse voice, “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”
Cruella, left behind when he let go and left her where she stood.
She fell to the ground, her face pale, crying without sound. Her limbs were weak; she couldn’t even stand up.
I saw her. No matter what, she was still the child I gave birth to.
My leg was pinned. My back throbbed so badly I could barely breathe. But I still clenched my teeth and dragged myself over.
“Cruella… don’t be scared.”
Panting, I pulled her into my arms. “Hold onto me.”
I dragged her toward the exit inch by inch. Dust and debris kept raining down. My throat burned from the air.
Thankfully, the shaking eased quickly.
Rescue staff rushed in and lifted the desk off my leg.
I had just steadied myself and hadn’t even had time to breathe in relief when Cruella suddenly shoved me away.
“Don’t touch me!”
Mariah’s POV
Cruella scrubbed at her face in disgust. “So gross! That’s disgusting!”
Before I could react, she stumbled toward Carmilla and threw herself into her arms.
“Mom! Are you okay? I was so scared… I was so scared…”
Carmilla burst into tears, clutching her tightly.
Viggo’s back was torn open, blood soaking through his shirt, but he didn’t spare himself a glance. He lowered his head, checking Carmilla over and over.
“Where does it hurt? Did you get scared?”
In that moment, love and indifference stood in stark contrast.
I stood off to the side, something lodged in my chest so tightly I could barely breathe.
For weeks I’d told myself to stay calm. To harden my heart. But when you finally understand that you are not the one being chosen… it still hurts. It hurts so badly your whole body trembles.