Chapter 20: The Devil’s Blood
Ivan watched Lydia, still stunned by what had just happened.
But before he could gather his thoughts, a sharp pain tore through his abdomen. He staggered. His hand instinctively gripped his side. Warm blood soaked through his shirt. His wound had reopened—more violently this time.
Meanwhile, Lydia, who had been heading back to her quarters, suddenly stopped in her tracks. Something tugged at her. She remembered her book—the one she dropped when he had pulled her earlier. Sighing, she turned around to go retrieve it.
But the moment she stepped back into the corridor, her heart sank.
Ivan was on the ground. Blood pooled beneath him, and his body twisted slightly in pain. His breathing was ragged, shallow.
Her eyes widened. "Ivan!"
She sprinted to him, dropping to her knees beside his body. Her hands hovered above his wound, unsure whether to touch or not.
"I’ll call for help!" she cried, already raising her voice.
"No!" His voice was harsh, filled with panic. "Don’t—don’t call anyone. Just leave."
"What are you saying?" she snapped, shaken. "If I leave, you’ll bleed to death!"
"I said leave me!" he growled, his voice already weaker.