Ruby's POV
Gunshots erupted around us like thunder.
My blood turned to ice. In that split second, only one desperate thought consumed me - I didn't care what happened to me, but these innocent children had to survive.
The first crack of gunfire left everyone frozen in confusion. By the second shot, chaos exploded. Children shrieked in terror while Principal Anaya's voice pierced the air: "GET DOWN! EVERYONE RUN!"
"Stay low!" I screamed above the pandemonium. "Find shelter! Don't scatter!"
But fear makes children unpredictable. They ignored my commands completely, scattering like frightened rabbits in every direction, their cries echoing off the playground walls.
I lunged forward, gathering the five nearest kids against my chest, including little Derick. My body became their shield just as a bullet tore through my thigh.
Mathew-hot agony blazed up my leg. Damn it!
Beneath me, Derick sobbed uncontrollably. "Are we gonna die?"
