Bella's POV
We couldn't return to our apartment. Not only because Mr VALERIUS'Empire might track us down there, but because this nagging pain in my skull refused to fade away.
The sharp sound of Toby's voice startled me from my thoughts. I had been massaging my temples, trying to ease the persistent throbbing when his small hand touched my wrist. His fingers, still sticky from the pancakes we'd shared earlier, wrapped around mine with desperate urgency.
I glanced down and felt my breath catch. His usually bright face had turned ashen, and those expressive eyes that normally sparkled with mischief now appeared dull and unfocused. The familiar knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" I asked, forcing my voice to remain steady even as my pulse quickened.
His bottom lip trembled as he whispered, "My head feels funny."
