Stella froze, every hair on her body standing on end.

A primal instinct warned her of imminent danger-an overwhelming sense she'd only ever felt at the edge of life and death.

She stopped in her tracks, rooted to the spot as if nailed to the floor.

Joshua's eyes flickered when he finally recognized her.

"It's you," he murmured.

Snapping out of her daze, Stella stepped closer to his side. "Joshua, you should eat something."

Joshua rubbed his brow unconsciously. "My head is killing me. I'll pass for now."

"You really shouldn't," Stella insisted gently. "If you don't eat, your headache will only get worse. It's not good for your recovery. Please, try a little?"

His pupils trembled, and for a moment, it was as if he was trapped in a world washed in blood. Everything around him blurred into nothingness—except for the worried light in Stella's eyes, shining through with vivid clarity.

Joshua clawed his way back to rationality, just barely.

He lowered his gaze. "...Fine."

Stella helped him sit up.

his hands stood out in stark relief, his breath heavy, as if he was fighting an inner war just

sensed something was wrong. She glanced at him, only to meet his gaze— his eyes were rimmed in red, a murderous glint


harsh, raw. "...Star, you need to

Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to hold himself together, his features twisting with the effort. Just keeping control was draining every ounce of his strength. The last thread of his sanity felt stretched to

lose himself completely. Anyone nearby would be in

Stella's face paled. "Joshua"

hand shot out

fingers were cold as ice, sending an involuntary shiver down

"Didn't I tell you to leave? Why are you

"Joshua, snap out

harder. "So, you really do have

his clouded gaze for any sign of the man she knew. "Joshua, it's me-Stella. Please, calm

name seemed to reach him.

the bedside

Bang!


Silence.

Joshua sprawled on the floor, blood trickling from his scalp.

I just... kill

put some force behind the swing, but she hadn't meant to go

she'd misjudged it

leaned in to check for

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255