The Bloody Retribution

The heavy metal base of the IV pole sailed through the cold balcony air. It struck Vanessa’s forehead with a sickening crack. Blood gushed from the fresh wound in an instant, painting Vanessa’s horrified face a brilliant crimson as she collapsed against the glass door with a piercing shriek.

Declan stood rooted to the spot, stunned by the sudden retaliation. A second later, he lunged forward. He