The question hung heavy in the air: Where was Tess?
She found herself encircled by the three Elites. Strangely, the four-eyed bird was nowhere in sight. The absence sent a chill through her — was it lurking nearby, waiting to possess her again?
Her fingers brushed her sharp teeth, a grim reminder that her appearance had been altered by the dark energy within. The Elites were close enough to see the change. They knew.
Legion and Sid dissolved into ash, fading from view and leaving Tess alone with Jade. Slowly, Jade stepped forward, placing a cold, clammy hand on Tess' shoulder.
A jolt shot through her. Black ash began to swirl violently, encasing her like the eye of a storm. Tess squeezed her eyes shut.
"My, my…" came a voice, smooth and cold, followed by a low, rumbling laugh that echoed from a mouth that hadn't moved. "Someone isn't quite what they seem…"
That line confirmed it — they'd sensed something was off. Her secret was unraveling. Panic tightened her chest.
