** Paige’s POV **

“What… what are you?”

The question hangs in the air, and everyone goes still.

Ryder’s protective instinct spikes like a cold gust of wind through the bond, but I lift a hand to keep him from stepping forward.

I can’t blame her. I’m probably glowing again.

My voice comes out steadier than I feel. “I’m still Paige.”

She shakes her head violently, scrambling to her feet and backing up until she hits the old sofa, then she collapses onto it. “No. ...