Lopez froze, her heart racing as Adrian's words sank in. She glanced down at herself, realizing for the first time that something was terribly wrong. Her hand instinctively went to her lower back, feeling the dampness seeping through her clothes. Panic surged through her as she pulled her hand away, crimson stains now visible on her fingers.

“Adrian,” she whispered, her voice trembling with fear as she turned to face him fully. “I think...”

“Stay right there,” Adrian said.

He moved swiftly toward her, removing his jacket and wrapping it around her without hesitation.

“I…”

Lopez tried to speak again, but he once again shunned her.

“Don't say a word.”...