Nasya's POV
The sight of that gaping maw - a crimson cavern lined with jagged, nail-like teeth - sent an icy wave of terror crashing through me. Cold sweat instantly drenched my back as my legs gave out completely, my body going limp against Zayn's chest like a marionette with cut strings.
Without missing a beat, Zayn effortlessly scooped me up in his arms, his muscular frame carrying me with surprising gentleness as he turned on his heel and strode from the nightmarish basement. My heart hammered violently against my ribs, the frantic rhythm so loud I feared everyone could hear it. In my dazed state, I barely registered how intimately close we were pressed together, nor did I notice Elijah's horrified expression as he rapidly issued orders to secure the basement behind us.
