He released Cruella and lunged forward, throwing his body over Carmilla.
The light fixture smashed into his back. Blood soaked through his shirt almost instantly.
But he didn’t make a sound. He only held Carmilla tightly and said in a rushed, hoarse voice, “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid.”
Cruella, left behind when he let go and left her where she stood.
She fell to the ground, her face pale, crying without sound. Her limbs were weak; she couldn’t even stand up.
I saw her. No matter what, she was still the child I gave birth to.
My leg was pinned. My back throbbed so badly I could barely breathe. But I still clenched my teeth and dragged myself over.
“Cruella… don’t be scared.”
Panting, I pulled her into my arms. “Hold onto me.”
I dragged her toward the exit inch by inch. Dust and debris kept raining down. My throat burned from the air.
Thankfully, the shaking eased quickly.
Rescue staff rushed in and lifted the desk off my leg.
I had just steadied myself and hadn’t even had time to breathe in relief when Cruella suddenly shoved me away.
“Don’t touch me!”
Mariah’s POV
Cruella scrubbed at her face in disgust. “So gross! That’s disgusting!”