Chapter 4

I sat trembling on the edge of our bed, watching as Marcus pressed a cool, damp cloth against the angry red burn on my forearm. The wax had been cleaned away, leaving blistered skin in its wake. Each gentle dab sent fresh waves of pain radiating up my arm.

"We should call an ambulance," I said through gritted teeth. "Second-degree burns need medical attention."

Marcus's face tightened, his jaw working beneath his perfectly trimmed beard. "It's not that serious, Elena. You're overreacting."

"I'm a scientist, Marcus. I know what a second-degree burn looks like." I pulled my arm away from…