Kathy descended the staircase slowly, her steps echoing through the tense silence that had fallen over the group gathered below. As she reached the bottom step, Sarah burst from Miles arms, running straight toward Kathy. Without hesitation, Sarah wrapped her arms tightly around her, relief and worry mingling in her embrace.
Nearby, Anthony slumped against the tree, pale and exhausted. He clutched his side, where blood seeped down his chest—a clear sign that he desperately needed medical attention. Despite the chaos, all eyes were drawn to Kathy. Her gaze was distant, and her eyes still glowed an unearthly purple, a clear warning that she had not yet regained full control of herself.
Kathy barely seemed to register Sarah's touch. Instead, she slowly lifted her head, her glowing eyes scann
