The lack of heartbeat irritated her more than it should have. No creature should be both alive and dead at the same time. She looked around at him just as lightning lit up the room, the shadow of a serpent behind Devin appearing with it. The crack of thunder made her flinch, the creak of the building far too loud, the squish of blood in the rag between her fingers too wet, too sharp. Everything was heightened, but most of all was the concern, so oddly strong that it was almost painful. The delight instantly faded, replaced by elevated fear and rage. The city could have been on fire with the amount of negative emotions swirling within it. Her head hurt, the blood rushing through her veins too strong to contain.

"No."

Even saying the word was painful, her voice too loud for her ears even though it came out as a whisper.