Hearing Lucia's words, Max let out a quiet sigh. If Rose had chosen not to get involved any further, then he had no intention of forcing her hand. This was already stepping into uncertain territory, and dragging someone unwilling into it would only complicate things further.
He was just beginning to think about his next move when something suddenly changed within him.
His heart began to pound.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The sound echoed loudly in his ears, far louder than it should have been, as if each beat carried an unnatural force behind it.
Max's expression shifted instantly.
'What is happening?'
A flicker of unease rose within him as the rhythm of his heartbeat grew faster, heavier, more intense with each passing moment. He tried to steady himself, taking a deep breath to calm down, but instead of slowing, his heart began to race even faster.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The force behind each beat grew stronger.
Then his body reacted.
