Kram

rcing my body into a heavy, restl

own dim-the sun had set hours ago. I sat up, rubbing my aching t

ould have faded by now, lulling Charly and Darren into a false sense of security. With her skin restored, Charly would undo

e touched my lips

conciliation. She had no idea that the Ghost Flower compound mixed inside was already reacting with her bo

lemished honor-was about to enter her chambers for their delayed union. And when he tr

ins, washing away the last lingering traces of sleep. B

my feet, moving sil

aced my hand against

th my palm was

one thing I had been afraid of. A sign that the infection was

y up my throat. I forced it down. I was a d

ol water, laying them on his forehead, his neck, his chest

a losing battle against an invisible enemy. A feeling of helpless

nly a second, a faint, almost imperceptible rustle of th

in of cool water sloshing in my tr

I fr

y grasp, crashing to the stone

candlelight, Demetri Co

and they were fixed on me. He w