Thomas Pov
I saw her take the blow for me. Her shoulder was bleeding, and I was worried as she was losing so much blood. Annabel, her face filled with sweat and blood, looked up at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of pain and determination.
I crouched beside her, my voice trembling, "Annabel, you didn't have to do that. I could have taken the hit."
She managed a weak smile through her agony, "Thomas, I couldn't let you get hurt. You mean too much to me."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of her sacrifice. "You mean everything to me, too, Annabel. We'll get through this together." I held her hand tightly, trying to provide some comfort.
An explosion echoed around us, and the world seemed to blur. I glanced around, my heart pounding. "We need to find cover. Can you stand?"
