"No one move."
Archer's voice was sharp, a blade slicing through the tense air.
Haelyn stood in the doorway, her breath shallow, her body trembling. She looked like a ghost….pale, broken, and barely standing. Her once-bright eyes were dim, her hair clinging to her sweat-drenched face.
Artemis took a slow step forward but halted when Cerius raised a hand.
"It could still be Keres," Cerius warned, his voice low and wary.
Marlyil clenched her fists. "She looks terrible. If it is Keres, she's hiding it well."
Xander's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Then why hasn't she attacked?"
Ravi, silent until now, murmured, "Because something is wrong."
And then Haelyn screamed.
It was a sound that sent chills down their spines….a cry of raw, gut-wrenching pain. Her hands flew to her stomach as her body doubled over.
"Haelyn!" Artemis rushed forward.
"No!" Cerius tried to pull him back, but Artemis was already at Haelyn's side, gripping her shoulders.
