Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter) novel Chapter 397

"Are you okay?"

With a scream that cut through the air, it was Bran. In my dazed state, when Bran came to check on me, I had him pinned against the wall in a manner that must have been quite painful.

Bran looked at me, utterly bewildered, before finally finding his words. "Holy smokes... Caleb was right, you really are Phoebe Caldwell..."

I furrowed my brows, the headache feeling like it was tearing my soul from my body.

"Feels weird to be back among the living, huh?" I croaked out.

After I said it, even I was confused.

Who was I asking?

Myself or someone else?

Bran, still pinned against the wall, stiffened before starting to complain. "Ouch, ouch, let go..."

Stella, standing nearby, watched us with shock, while Finn and Robin quickly intervened, prying me off Bran.

"You've got some moves..." Robin said, looking puzzled.

It was like a professional hold, something they were taught in training – a technique to maximize damage even with a significant power difference.

Stella took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension. "Maybe Phoebe just reacted without thinking. She's been struggling in her sleep, might've been having a nightmare."

I quickly released Bran, stepping back without a word.

Bran, rubbing his arm in pain, eyed me suspiciously.

I looked down, then around, feeling an unfamiliar sense of alienation.

"Phoebe?" Stella called my name softly, noticing my disorientation.

Almost reflexively, I grabbed her by the throat, warding off anyone who came close.

Stella's body tensed, panic in her eyes.

Robin stepped in front of Stella protectively, eyeing me warily. "Did the fall knock something loose?"

I paused, looking down at my hand, overwhelmed by a rush of confusion and helplessness. "It wasn't me... It wasn't me..."

I didn't understand what I had just done.

Stella shook off Robin, gripping my hand tightly. "Phoebe... it's okay, don't be scared. I know you didn't mean it. Let's get out of here, go home."

"Please..." came a derisive voice from behind. Melody's scorn was palpable. "If you didn't kick the bucket, stop wasting time. If you want to survive, better find a way out of this floor!"