carl’s eyes locked on you the moment he burst into the room, his chest heaving as he took in the sight of a wolf holding you hostage. the blade pressed against your neck gleamed under the faint light, and your wide, terrified eyes met his.

“let her go,” carl demanded, his voice low but steady, even though his hands shook where they gripped his gun. his usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a frantic protectiveness that burned behind his single blue eye.

the wolf laughed darkly, pressing the knife just a fraction closer to your skin. “drop the gun, kid, or she dies right here.”

carl hesitated, his eye darting between you and the attacker. you could see the war in his mind—the need to protect you versus the risk of giving up his only defense. your voice cracked as you spoke, “carl… don’t.”

he clenched his jaw, lowering the gun just slightly but keeping it ready. “you don’t have to do this,” he said, trying to keep his voice calm, though you could hear the anger simmering underneath. “you’re not walking out of here if you hurt her.”

the wolf’s grin faltered for a moment, but he pressed on. “you think you’re in control here? i have the upper hand.”

carl’s lip curled. “you think so?”

without warning, carl shifted his aim, firing a shot into the man’s knee. the wolf screamed, his grip on you faltering, and you stumbled away, gasping as carl grabbed you, pulling you behind him.

“you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now but still trembling. his hands checked you over quickly, his eye darting over you like he couldn’t believe you were safe.

“i’m fine,” you managed, though your hands shook as you clung to his shirt.

he turned his gaze back to the attacker, who was writhing on the floor, clutching his leg. “you messed with the wrong people,” carl muttered before kicking the knife away.

when the chaos finally settled, carl didn’t let go of you, his arm wrapped protectively around your shoulder. “i’m not losing you,” he said quietly, his voice almost breaking. “not to them. not to anyone.”