Luna, Samantha screamed, putting every ounce of her remaining strength into the mental call. Marcus! Callum! She's not helping us—she's taking over completely!
But her mental voice felt muffled, distant, like shouting through thick glass. The bonds that usually connected her to her mates felt stretched thin, filtered through Maelith's growing dominance.
For a moment, despair threatened to overwhelm her trapped consciousness. But then something unexpected happened—not rescue, but rage. Pure, crystalline fury at being betrayed by someone she'd trusted to help save her family.
You lying, manipulative bitch, Samantha snarled mentally, her anger giving her momentary strength. I trusted you to help me save Kai.
Trust is a luxury you can't afford, Maelith replied with cold amusement. Though I suppose I should thank you for providing such a remarkably powerful vessel. Your hybrid nature makes this form far more versatile than my original body ever was.
