The atmosphere in the Shepherd household was tense, the air thick with worry and fear.
Steve and Stefan had managed to bring Mara back to the house, but her unconscious state was deeply unsettling. She lay still, her breathing shallow, and no matter what they did, she wouldn't wake up. Steve's usual composure was slipping, his voice edged with panic as he turned to Stefan. "Do something, Stefan," he urged, his hands trembling as he hovered over Mara.
Stefan frowned as he examined her. "I can't make a proper diagnosis here," he said, his tone measured but urgent. "She's not showing any clear symptoms. We need to get her to the hospital."
Steve nodded, his mind racing. "Of course. Get the car ready," he said, already moving to lift Mara into his arms. As he did, his eyes caught sight of something that made his blood run cold—a bloodstain on the bed where she had been lying.
