Andrew hurried back home because that persistent boy refused to leave him alone.
Dylan had even let himself into his house—based on the text messages the boy sent—mostly because Andrew stupidly forgot to lock the door when he rushed out to meet Seamus earlier.
Maria was inside. She had been stable so far, but he always knew the worst could happen at any time.
Thirst changed everything, and the only thing strong enough to snap her out of it was human blood.
The moment Andrew pushed the door open, panic hit him. Maria was pinned to the floor by Dylan. Her fangs were out, her eyes unfocused, and her whole body shook with hunger.
"What's happening here, Andrew?! Who turned her into this!"
Dylan shouted as he grabbed the small vial from his jacket, uncapped it quickly, and pressed it to Maria's lips.
She drank it desperately. Within moments, her body relaxed. The trembling stopped, her eyes regained clarity, and she gasped as if she had just resurfaced from drowning.
