She gasped and went stiff. Her head jerked back, and her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Jude leapt forward, catching her as she stumbled.
Her body was burning hot. Her skin flushed red. Her eyes fluttered, then went wide with something that wasn't fear, something far more primal.
She looked at him like she didn't recognize him. Or like she did, but as someone else entirely.
"Grace," he said, shaking her gently.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she leaned forward, pressing her mouth against his ear.
He felt her breath, ice cold despite her feverish skin.
Then she whispered a single word.
"Mine."
And went limp in his arms.
The others rushed forward, surrounding her. Jude laid her down gently, and slowly her breathing evened. Her color returned to normal. She blinked up at him, confused.
"Did I… faint?" she asked.
He nodded, swallowing the fear in his throat. "Something like that."