"Huff... huff..."
The metallic taste of blood spread through Ryan's mouth. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was panting heavily. By the time he realized what was happening, his tongue was already bitten through.
He fought hard to suppress the panic rising inside him, trying to stop those chaotic memories from spiraling out of control.
As the images resurfaced, he finally understood why he had always felt that subtle, unexplainable resistance toward Bella.
She seemed so sweet and gentle. In Ryan's mind, all he could recall were memories of her clinging to his arm, playfully whining. How could he have forgotten something so important?
When Bella was adopted, Ryan didn't feel any sadness. In fact, he had even felt relieved.
Now, he couldn't bring himself to look at her, to meet her eyes. He swallowed hard, but all he could hear was the ringing in his ears.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up, I'm really tired."
