Chapter 109 Pain

Panic surged through Mark's veins as he rushed to Alison's side, his hands trembling as he checked for her pulse. Tears stung his eyes as he realized that she was still alive, but her breathing was shallow and labored. "Alison, stay with me," Mark pleaded, his voice choked with emotion as he gathered her into his arms. "I'm here; I won't let anything happen to you." With Alison cradled against his chest, Mark scanned their surroundings frantically, searching for any sign of the shooter. But the streets were eerily silent, the darkness offering no clues as to where the bullet had come from. "Where are you?!" Mark shouted into the night, his voice raw with anguish and desperation. "Show yourself, you coward!" But there was no response, only the distant sound of sirens wailing in the distance. With a growl of frustration, Mark clenched his fists, his mind racing with thoughts of how to get Alison to safety. Gently, he lifted her into his arms, his muscles straining with the