The tension in the cathedral remained suffocating, the air thick with fear and despair. The assassin held Thomas firmly, his dagger pressed against the boy's neck, a cruel grin twisting his lips. The children huddled together, their terrified eyes locked on the scene unfolding before them, while Sister Maria stood frozen, her trembling hands clasped around her rosary.
Thomas didn't cry, though his jaw was clenched and his breath came in shallow gasps. He refused to give the assassin the satisfaction of seeing him break, but his youthful bravado only seemed to amuse the man.
