A moment later, an eerie white light rose from his body, drifting slowly toward Hayden on the bed.
Color flooded back into the boy's cheeks at a visible pace. His breathing steadied, grew stronger.
"It worked!" Anita sobbed with joy.
Elijah exhaled in relief, turning to her with a smile.
"See, Anita? I keep my promises. Hayden will grow up healthy now, and we can finally—"
The words died in his throat.
Anita's face had gone white with horror. Her hand trembled as she pointed at him.
"Elijah, you..."
"What? What's wrong with me?"
She scrambled across the floor, snatched up a mirror, and shoved it in front of his face.
Through the surveillance feed, I watched him see his reflection—and heard the inhuman scream that tore from his throat.
