41. The Search: Part 2

In the narrow alley, the tension thickened as Jake attempted to reason with James. His pleas fell on deaf ears as James, consumed by unseen forces, remained unresponsive.

"Noah, we can't give up on him. There's still a chance to bring him back," Jake urged, desperation evident in his voice.

But Noah, frustrated by the lack of progress, intervened, "Bring him back and do what exactly? Change the location where he'll die? His fate was sealed the moment he began demonizing. That's enough talking, Jake. This isn't personal. It's about survival. Bye, James."

Noah began to pull the trigger, determination etched on his face. However, in a split second, Jake, fueled by a surge of conflicted emotions, pushed Noah's hand, diverting the trajectory of the bullet. The shot grazed James, and a trickle of blood marked the impact. James remained unfazed.

"What the hell are you doing?" shouted Noah, surprised by Jake's unexpected interference.

"I'm sorry, Noah. He's my friend, I can't let you kill him