“Please, no! I don’t know anything! Why won’t you believe me, just once, believe me!” My tears blurred my sight. I had never felt so powerless in my life.
Mark writhed on the ground, his face pale with sweat. “Anika… don’t listen to him… just save yourself,” he begged through his pain.
But Wilbert only sneered. “One minute has passed.” He waved his hand. The car jerked forward again and this time it rolled right over Mark’s hand.
His scream tore through me. “My hand! Anika, I can’t move it!”
“No! Don’t! Please stop!” I fell to my knees in front of Wilbert. “I beg you, don’t hurt him anymore. If you think I did this, then punish me instead. Let me die if you want, but don’t touch my brother. Please… please believe me.”
Wilbert’s face showed no pity, only impatience. He raised his hand again and the headlights flared bright.
I shook my head violently. “No, please, no!”
The car roared and I saw it heading straight for Mark. I didn’t even think. I tore free from the guards holding me and ran forward with everything I had left.
“Anika, no!” Mark screamed, his voice hoarse.
But I was already in front of him, throwing myself over his body to shield him.