I couldn't shake what I saw in the basement.
Those bodies under white sheets. Too still. Too exposed. Coated in a strange, glossy layer like someone had "preserved" them for later.
My stomach turned every time I remembered it.
Even if Yael hadn't done that part himself, the fact that he could stand near it work around it like it was normal… that alone made my skin crawl.
My instincts kept whispering one thing.
Run.
But I couldn't. Not yet. Not without a plan.
"Yael," I said carefully, forcing my voice to stay steady, "I'm really tired today. Maybe we can do this another time."
I tried to step back.
He stepped forward at the same time, like he'd already predicted my retreat.
"Elena," he said softly, almost patient. "There's nothing to worry about. I won't hurt you. I just need to see your body. Silas damaged your original one, and I've regretted it ever since."
His eyes slid over me like I was something rare.
