Chapter 23
***Ivy***
I stumbled back, heart slamming against my ribs.
I stared at the woman in shock.
“What the hell?”
She swung at me again and missed. The momentum made her lurch forward on the mattress. When she lifted her head, our eyes locked.
Her irises glowed a vivid, unnatural yellow, the edges rimmed with blood. Wet strands of pale brown hair whipped across her face as she launched herself at me once more.
Idris moved instantly, stepping between us and shielding me with his body.
“What is this?” I whispered, voice tight.
“I don’t know,” Idris replied, uncertainty bleeding into his tone. “She’s never been like this before.”
He raised both hands slowly in surrender.
“Auntie, it’s me,” he said, stepping toward her with careful, measured steps. “It’s Idris. Take it easy.”
