The world narrowed to a single, horrifying point of sensation. Linsy’s gaze followed Michael’s stunned stare downward. A dark, wet crimson stain was blooming across the pale gray fabric of her dress, spreading with terrifying speed from her thighs downward. It was a sight so visceral, so fundamentally wrong, that her mind short-circuited for a second, processing only the stark contrast of color.

His expression didn't just turn ugly; it shattered. The cold fury that had been his mask since ...