Kimberly sat on the edge of her bed, her hands shaking. The glow in her eyes hadn't faded, though she tried to breathe it away.
Her mother stood by the doorway, her face pale, her lips trembling as though she wanted to speak but couldn't.
Elijah had his fists clenched, as if ready to protect himself if her power lashed out. Mohandria's gaze was steady, but beneath her calm surface, fear lingered.
"Don't come closer," Kimberly said, her voice strange, layered with something ancient.
She looked down at her hands, whispering to herself. "What's happening to me? Why do I feel this fire inside me?"
Her mother took one hesitant step forward. "Kimberly… it's the part of you we prayed would never awaken. You must fight it. Please, before it consumes you."
Kimberly turned sharply, her crimson eyes glowing brighter. "Fight it? Do you want me to stay weak while Theo suffers? Do you want me to close my eyes while he bleeds in the dark?"
