Arlene's POV
The moment consciousness returns, discomfort crashes over me like a tidal wave. Every inch of my skin feels like it's crawling with invisible insects. My bones throb with a deep ache that reaches into my marrow. An unexplainable restlessness claws at my insides, demanding movement I can't provide. My senses, already sharper than they should be, assault me with overwhelming input from the simple act of standing at the bathroom sink.
"Sweetheart?" Warner's voice comes through the door accompanied by a gentle knock. I grip the sink edge, fighting the urge to snap at him with words that would cut deep. "I'll handle the twins today. There's breakfast waiting for you. Just breathe through this. Don't worry about breaking anything. It's just how the full moon affects us."
"Okay," the word scrapes from my throat like gravel. The door hinges protest with metallic groans as he pushes it open slowly.
