Tonia's POV
My eyes widened like spotlights cutting through darkness.
Everything I knew shattered and rebuilt itself in a heartbeat, only to crumble again with devastating force.
The transformation happened in mere seconds.
I parted my lips to respond, but silence filled the space where words should have been.
My thoughts scattered like leaves in a hurricane.
"Siphon," he said again, each syllable cutting through the air with razor precision.
"I..." My throat constricted around the knot of panic lodged there. Swallowing became impossible.
I forced air into my lungs and made another attempt. "I need to find someone to examine you."
When I moved to flee, I discovered his grip still anchored my hand to his. Now conscious, his strength was undeniable.
Terror seized me as my gaze bounced between the exit and his face.
"Release me." The words escaped as a desperate whisper. "Please."
His fingers loosened, and something gentle flickered in his expression.
