A sharp cry tore from my throat before I could stop it. The heat inside me was unbearable, burning through my veins like wildfire.
The door burst open. Zee rushed in, eyes wide and scanning me from head to toe.
“Nyra! What’s wrong?”
“I…I don’t know!” I gasped, clutching my chest. “It burns… my skin feels like it’s on fire! I can’t breathe, Zee!”
He froze and stared at me. His nostrils flared slightly as if catching a scent. I saw his pupils dilate and the edge of his jaw tightening, like he recognized something.
But instead of answering, he turned abruptly. “Stay here,” he said sharply, then dashed out.
I trembled, sweat soaking my hair. The air felt thick and heavy, my pulse wild and unsteady. Runa growled faintly in my head, restless and needy, her energy clawing at my control.
Mo
