~ TESS ~

I try not to hyperventilate, breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. My chest feels tight, my thoughts scattered. I need time to process all of this—everything that’s just happened. But I can’t afford to fall apart. If I want to stay grounded, I have to push the panic away and focus on Lyra. Someone tried to kill her. Tried to kill both of us.

And for all I know, the vampire and wolf that attacked might still be nearby. Waiting. Watching. Ready ...