Page 123 of The Dark Stranger

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Not really.

She’s still in it.

“Becca—” the nurse tries, but Becca fights harder, twisting, trying to sit up despite the pain.

“Christina—where is she—?!” Her voicecracks, desperate, frantic. “Don’t touch me—!”

I’m across the room in seconds.

“Becs.”

My voice cuts through it.

Not loud.

Not aggressive.

Focused.

I grab her hand—not forceful, not restraining—just enough to ground her.

“I’m here,” I tell her, firm, steady. “Becs—look at me. You’re safe.”

She doesn’t hear me at first.

Her breathing is too fast, her body still fighting something that isn’t in this room anymore.

“No—no, they took her—Inez—!” she gasps, trying to pull away, panic surging all over again.

Her heart rate spikes on the monitor.

“BP’s climbing,” the doctor says quickly. “She’s alert but panicking—”

I don’t take my eyes off her.

“Becs,” I say again, stronger this time, tightening my grip just slightly. “You’re not there anymore. You hear me? You’re out. You’re safe.”

Her head turns slightly—just enough.

Not fully focused.

But searching.

Good.

“Stay with me,” I tell her, leaning closer. “Right here. You’re not alone.”

Behind me, I hear Jace move in.

Quiet.

Observing.

He’s already pulling names.

I don’t have to look to know it.

I hear her say them again.

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