Chapter 81

• I stared at my hand, frozen with fear. After sitting motionless on the bed for what felt like an eternity, I finally rose and faced the mirror, as though I needed confirmation that I hadn’t physically changed. My human-like reflection offered some comfort, though it failed to completely quiet the unease swirling inside me. Taking a deep breath, I resolved to push the problem aside for now—or at least until I could discuss it with Caspian.
• But the restlessness clung to me. Even the logical argument that this might be a temporary side effect couldn’t slow the frantic pace of my heartbeat.
• Grabbing my purse and coat, I stepped outside. Elio was already waiting to drive me to the bank’s headquarters. It hit me then: I hadn’t been there since the kidnapping. So much had happened in that brief span of time.