Their conversation continued, but I felt like I was sinking into an icy abyss, unable to absorb a word.

The pain in my heart was unbearable, like thousands of ants gnawing away, offering no relief.

Arno ran over, licking my palm, inadvertently exposing me to both of them.

Terry Black froze, his strength retreating.

"Sirena? What did you hear?"

He rushed toward me, only to be momentarily held back by Arno's barking.

Sarah Ferguson regarded me with a mocking smile, her eyes slightly narrowed, as if saying: Hattie Garza, look—this is your savior, yet he drags you into the abyss too.

In a sudden burst of defiance, Arno bit Sarah...