ERIC
I reached Elyse first.
At least, I thought I did. But Kol moved faster than I expected, pulling her out of my arms and into his.
He crouched on the floor, holding her close as she writhed in pain.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his expression tightening.
"Does she look alright to you?" I snapped.
Anyone with eyes could see she wasn't.
I turned toward the committee, expecting them to act, but they only watched, their expressions filled with curiosity rather than concern.
Even my father, who had looked bored moments ago, now leaned forward slightly, a faint crease forming at his temple.
"Do something," I demanded, gesturing toward Elyse. "She's in pain!"
Silence. They just kept staring, as though what was happening was something they couldn't quite understand.
"It hurts," Elyse whimpered.
"Where?" Lance asked, reaching carefully for her hand, the one not clutching her stomach.
"Everywhere," she choked, tears spilling down her face. "It hurts everywhere…"
