Damien.
The moment Maria's body hit the stone floor with that sickening thud, the violent rage burning in my veins instantly turned into pure, paralyzing horror.
"Maria!" I screamed, my voice cracking as I completely abandoned Noah, lunging across the floor and dropping to my knees right beside her motionless body.
I reached out with trembling hands, gently lifting her upper body up into my arms and cradling her against my chest. Her face was deathly pale, her skin cool and clammy to the touch, and her dark lashes rested heavily against her cheekbones. She was completely out cold, utterly unresponsive to my touch.
"Maria, open your eyes!" I panicked, my heart hammering wildly against my ribs like a trapped beast. I tapped her cheek gently, my chest heaving with deep, frantic breaths. "Come on, sweetheart, wake up for me! Please!"
