The Downward Spiral

Dane

His heart stopped. Dead. For a second he couldn't breathe. Lila's eyes cut to him, and instead of fear there he saw… rage? Her lips went thin and she shuddered, but Chris just jerked at her arm. She closed her eyes for a second and Dane sent up a silent prayer.

Then he looked down, just for a single breath, just to get himself together, before he met his brother's gaze and spoke so calmly he surprised even himself. "You can have whatever you want. You can do whatever you want to me. But you let her go. Alive. And unhurt."

"No, Dane—" Lila breathed.

"Always the fucking sacrificial lamb, right, Dane?" Chris sneered.

"Why are you doing this, Chris?" he asked. Inside he was volcanic with rage, but he knew they needed answers too. What had he missed?

Chris laughed. "Fuck you can be ignorant, big brother."

"I don't get it. If you want me dead, or trapped, why get me out? Why shoot dad?"