Talia's POV
The world blurred into a nightmare kaleidoscope around me. One second I'm devouring Cassius's kiss like a woman starved, the next he's crumpled and convulsing at my feet, screaming loud enough to shake the heavens.
His blood was everywhere - scorching my tongue with that stomach-churning penny taste. The stench of burned hair and flesh gagged me with each ragged breath. Figures rushed past in panicked blurs while voices barked orders I couldn't make sense of over the ringing in my ears.
But my eyes locked on Cassius, frozen in a haunting stillness that chilled me worse than his agonized thrashing. This...this twisted, mutilated form clinging to life - was that truly the arrogant alpha who'd vowed to break me into submission not two hours ago?