Chapter 142: The Beast Within

Caitlin's breaths were shallow and labored. The room spun, swirling into darkness as tiny white spots exploded in her vision. She could feel herself slipping away, consciousness slipping like sand through her fingers. Zendedari felt it too, the fragile thread of her life fraying, and something primal snapped inside him. His mind fractured, releasing the beast. A killing frenzy overtook him, fueled by the desperate need to protect Caitlin, to destroy her attacker. With terrifying speed, Zendedari launched himself from the bed, his body a blur of lethal intent. The force of his attack compelled the stranger to leap aside, releasing Caitlin, who crumpled to the floor, gasping for air. She lay there, her body limp, struggling to fill her lungs, her mind disoriented by the pain and shock. "Zendedari," the stranger's voice was low, almost pleading. "I am your brother. Do you not recognize me?" There was a deep resonance in his tone, but Zendedari’s mind, fragmented and wild, could sense no