CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE - THE GORROTH MANSE

A bloodcurdling scream ripped through the peaceful serenity of the night, jolting Karina awake. Beside her, John writhed on the bed, his face contorted in pain, a low guttural groan escaping his lips. His usually tanned skin had become a sickly shade of pale, a sheen of sweat clinging to his forehead. Panic surged through Karina. This wasn't a nightmare, it was happening. John's transformation. "John!" she cried, scrambling out of bed and rushing to his side. His eyes fluttered open, momentarily clear of the pain before glazing over again. He reached out a hand, his touch weak and cold. "Ka…rina," he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. Fear choked her voice, but she forced herself to remain calm. John needed her, and panicking wouldn't help. Remembering Alistair's words about an emergency amulet he'd given John, she frantically searched the bedside table. Finding a small leather pouch, she fumbled it open, revealing a silver amulet engraved with intricate runes. Gently, she lift