C32 When stars break

The hum in the hall rose into a vibration, rattling the beams overhead. Zoe stood alone, her tiny chest rising and falling with quick, frightened breaths. The glow beneath her skin burst brighter until the lines of her veins shimmered like molten silver.

Lucas lunged forward. “Zoe, stop! You don’t have to do this—”

But Vashti caught his arm. Her grip trembled, her eyes torn