Isabella's POV
The lights blinked once, twice, and then there was a complete blackout. Sudden blindness had my heart lurching to my mouth.
I didn't even get the chance to breathe. A violent crack of panic ripped out of me, and I screamed, stumbling backward into the darkness, only for strong arms to wrap around me.
"Isabella," Nikolai's voice, low and steady, pulled me in like an anchor. "Breathe." He rasped. His hot breath was too close as he said those words while holding me to his chest.
"I...I can't..." I whimpered, not being able to breathe or form a proper word. I was forcing myself to breathe, but it wasn't working. It was as if this wasn't even in my control anymore.
"Shh. I'm here."
His arms locked around my waist as my nails dug into his shirt. The house felt like a throat swallowing us whole.
