Kieran’s voice faded as my vision blurred, and the searing pain in my chest intensified, pulling me under. My knees buckled, and I stumbled forward, gripping Kieran’s arm to steady myself. But the pain didn’t stop. It twisted and writhed inside me, burning like a fire I couldn’t put out.
“Aylin!” Kieran’s voice was sharp with panic as he caught me before I hit the ground. He lowered me gently, his hand brushing the hair from my face, and I could see the fear in his eyes. He was helpless, and so was I.
“I—” I gasped, trying to find the words, but my thoughts were jumbled, tangled with the sensation tearing through my body. It wasn’t just pain; it was a storm, violent and unrelenting, surging through my veins as if my blood itself had turned to fire.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the a
