CHAPTER 24: WITHERED BUD

Shirley's blood-curdling scream shattered the air, sending Drakon's consciousness into disarray. He bolted from his seat, dashing towards the door with a speed almost too much to control. He took the stairs two at a time, his feet pounding a frantic beat that matched the panic pumping through his veins. He kicked her door open without even trying the handle first, and his world suddenly stopped. "Shirley!!" he bellowed, his stomach twisting painfully, and his eyes widened in horror at the sight of her limp body and the crimson stain spreading quickly beneath her gown. With his heart racing, he dropped to his knees beside her, his mind reeling with fear. "No, no, no... Shirley," he chanted, the words sounding like a soft plea. "What happened?!" he screamed at Amandla, standing in the corner, her face completely gaunt and pale. "It hurts," Shirley moaned as he lifted her into his arms. "Oh, bloody hell, it hurts!!!" she yelled, and he could see that it did by how tightly she shut her