Chapter 15 A Bleeding Heart

• OLEANDER
• “It’s alright. I will not hurt you,” I repeated, trying to calm her down, but she yanked her hand away from me, scrambling to get off the bed. “Reyna, it’s okay. I will not hurt you. I swear,” I pleaded, desperate to reassure her, but she ripped the IV out of her arm, freaking out.
• “Reyna, please,” I added, stepping back with my hands raised so she could see I would not hurt her, but she jumped off the bed, falling on her side. Reflexively, I moved toward her to help her up, but that frightened her even more. Her screams filled me with panic, and I mind-linked my mother, tears welling in my eyes, as I watched her desperately crawl away from me.