CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

It started like sizzling at the back of her mind, and slowly, it spread through her body—in its path, it filled her inside with heat. Ruby peeled her eyes open and looked down at her shaky hands. Tingles erupted through every fiber of her body, and slowly, sweltering pain erupted within her as if her blood was boiling. Ruby moaned in pain as she took a staggering step forward. Waves of pain came over her, immobilizing her body. Her legs felt paralyzed, unmoving but twitching uncontrollably. She longed to call for Noah, but the growing pain prevented her from being able to form words. And as if the other feelings weren't enough, Ruby felt her mind expanding, giving room for the birth or growth of something. Her head ached like a hammer had been rammed into it. A piercing scream escaped her lips as she toppled to the ground. "Ruby!" She heard Noah yell as he ran towards her. His hand landed on her body, and the burning sensation she was feeling tripled on the spot he touched. Ruby cri