The air filled with the deafening sound of gunfire. Glass shattered. Wood splintered. Daniel's heart pounded as he crouched behind the overturned table, his breaths coming in short, sharp bursts.
Mateo moved with the precision of someone who had seen this before. In one swift motion, he grabbed a pistol from under the kitchen counter and fired two shots toward the intruder. The masked figure ducked, rolling behind the couch.
Tía Rosa screamed and ran for cover.
Daniel's mind raced. Who were they? Why now?
Mateo cursed under his breath. "Daniel! We need to get out—"
This one moved differently—quicker, more calculated. And as the attacker turned toward him, something inside Daniel shifted.
Time slowed.
The bullets moved like they were cutting through thick air. Every detail sharpened—the dust particles, the flicker of light reflecting off the gun barrel, the rapid movement of Mateo trying to react.
Instinct kicked in. Daniel grabbed the edge of the table and flipped it upward, sending it flying toward the second attacker. The man barely had time to react before it slammed into him, knocking him off balance.
What was that?
Before he could finish, another figure burst through the back door.
Daniel didn't have time to think. Mateo grabbed his arm. "Move!"
They bolted through the side door, dashing into the narrow alley behind the house. The cold night air hit Daniel's face like a slap, but adrenaline kept him moving.
Footsteps pounded behind them.
Mateo yanked Daniel toward a car parked at the curb. "Get in!"
Daniel didn't hesitate. As soon as he slammed the door shut, Mateo spun the wheel and gunned the engine. The tires screeched against the pavement as they sped away, leaving the masked men behind.
Daniel turned to Mateo, breathing hard. "Who the hell were they?"
Mateo's jaw tightened. "People who don't want you here."
Daniel clenched his fists. "Why?"
Mateo's hands gripped the steering wheel. "Because of what you are."