Bell was entirely and utterly frozen in place.
Even her eyes dared not close, fearing that when she opened them again, he would be even closer.
Her breaths were short and quick, and her heart pounded loudly, filtering out any sound beyond the racing thump.
“Bell…” he hissed.
Her jaw shook, and she felt a cold numbness spilling over her. Her chest tightened, and her eyes burned.
For almost seven years, she had only heard this voice in her nightmares, but she was awake now. Awake and staring at the monster. Awake and unable to move or make a sound as he moved closer.
“It is you,” he whispered, his voice crawling over her like a centipede. Its legs prickled and pulled at her skin as the threat of his bite loomed over her.
He was bigger, larger. Even more capable of breaking her now.
Bell swallowed as he took another step toward her. Her hands moved instinctively to her stomach.
Roman stared intently at her face. At the small changes in her expression.
