Chapter 39 The Essence

Ariana My heart pounded in my chest as I stood at the heart of the turmoil, watching my mother's once graceful form contort and shift into a twisted reflection of herself. The moon mark on her back glowed with an unnatural light, a silver beacon against her silvery hair. My father, usually strong and resolute, knelt beside her, his eyes brimming with anguish and helplessness. He was trying to contain her, to protect her, but the toxins were stronger than anything he could do.