"Relax your breathing, Elder," said Ethan, his deep baritone carrying a calm, clinical authority that instantly commanded obedience. "This process will take a considerable amount of operational time."
Heidy slowly let out a shaky, shallow breath, burying her face into her crossed arms as she tried to force her racing heart to settle. A second later, she violently stiffened as she felt the heavy, warm pressure of Ethan's large palm making direct contact right at the center of her upper back.
