POV: Karl

The world came back in pieces. Voices first. Elijah's, tight with worry. Nathan's, defensive and guilty. Then Morrison's clinical tone explaining vitals and recovery rates.

Then memory crashed over me like a wave. Maya tied to the silver post. Flames rising. Her screams. The corruption serum burning through my veins as Seraphina forced me to watch. My body moving without permission, a puppet dancing on her strings while Maya burned and I did nothing.

I sat up violently, my ...