Chapter 50

• RALPH
• I clenched my jaw at the sudden incident, my mind racing to process what had just happened. Damien's mark, with its protective power, was something I hadn’t anticipated. The pain from the searing energy still throbbed in my bones, a stark reminder of my inability to control the situation.
• Keilah got down from the bed, grabbed her robe, and slipped it back on with trembling hands. She walked over to where I was sitting, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and confusion. Gently, she touched my shoulder, her voice soft. "Ralph, what happened? You looked like you were in pain."