His chest heaves rapidly with each breath, his body tense to the point of trembling, muscles coiled like springs. His neck and arms are corded with strain, as if he’s seconds away from tearing someone apart.No one dares move. The air feels thick, charged with danger. Even breathing seems risky, as though the smallest sound could trigger the beast within him.Then, out of nowhere, Robert’s grandmother—Martha—appears beside us. She looks at her grandson with calm warmth, completely unafraid. Gently, she places her thin hand against his cheek, guiding his gaze to hers. She smiles softly, and the wild fury in his eyes begins to fade.“Eli, dear,” she says kindly, turning her attention to me now, “would you be so kind as to show us your neck?”I swallow hard, step out from behind Robert, and sweep my hair back, exposing my neck.I hear my mother gasp in horror, followed by a faint, trembling “completely ruined…” Someone even drops their cup—it hits the floor with a sharp clatter that echo
Last Updated : 2025-11-04 Read more