章 29: Chapter 29

Kariyah's hands trembled as they instinctively flew to her neck, her fingertips grazing the faint red mark that still tingled from the sudden grip. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, each beat echoing with the confusion and terror that consumed her.

 She couldn't reconcile the image of her brother, Kellan, the one who used to playfully tease her and protect her, with the one who had moments ago raised his hand in fury. 

His eyes, once so full of warmth, had been cold, distant, as though possessed by something dark and uncontrollable.

Her breath came out shaky, shallow at first, but then, with a slow exhale, she forced herself to calm down. Her fingers massaged the tender spot on her neck, as if trying to erase the memory of his hands there.

 "Mother...what has gotten into Kellan? Is he... alright?" Her voice was fragile, barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder might shatter the delicate reality she was trying to grasp.