Chapter 9 - Edge of the Abyss
Elias shouted over the deafening roar of the helicopter blades, pushing Oliver toward the open cabin door. Clara lunged from the shadows, tackling Elias around the waist. The sudden impact sent them both skidding across the slick wet tarmac, perilously close to the cliff edge. Oliver scrambled away, screaming for his mother. Daniel broke through the clearing, scooping his son up into his arms, passing him to the advancing security team, and turning his weapon back on his brother. But Elias had Clara pinned near the sheer drop, his hands gripping her neck, trying to shove her over the side. "Die this time, Clara!" he spat. Clara stared up at the monster who had stolen three years of her life. She brought her knee up with devastating force into his chest, breaking his grip. As Elias gasped, Daniel fired a single, precise shot. It struck Elias in the shoulder. The impact threw him backward. He slipped on the rain-slicked concrete, teetering on the edge. Daniel ran forward, not to save him, but to pull Clara back. Elias vanished over the cliff side, swallowed by the crashing waves below.
