It came sharp and sudden, tearing through Lila's body like a blade. One moment, she was standing between Adrian and Caleb, trying to stop them from killing each other. The next, she was collapsing, the world tilting as a sharp, unbearable agony gripped her abdomen.
Her knees hit the ground. A strangled gasp tore from her lips.
And then—blood.
Not much. Just a few drops at first, staining the ground beneath her. But the sight of it sent a wave of terror crashing over her.
No. No, no, no—
"Lila?" Caleb's voice was the first she registered. The raw panic in it sent a fresh surge of fear through her. She barely had time to brace before hands caught her—strong, warm—lowering her gently before she could completely collapse.
But then another presence was there, cold fingers brushing her cheek, Adrian's voice sharp and commanding. "Lila, look at me."
