Elise Pov

Darkness. Pains unbearable.

In that moment, I felt like I was losing myself, like the fear and pain were consuming me whole. I didn't know how to escape the darkness that haunted me, not until I heard the all too familiar voice.

Laced with anger and unhidden threat.

" Oh... really?"

The sudden interruption was like a slap to my senses, jolting me back to reality. I turned to see who had intervened, my heart still racing with fear.

Xander's voice, thunderous and commanding, ...