[Lyselle's POV]
The door slammed shut behind her, the sound ringing in her ears.
She jolted, her heart jumping to her throat as her father's grip tightened around her wrist.
"F-Father?" she asked, turning to him.
He didn't answer immediately.
His head was bowed, his shoulders trembling, and every breath he took came with a rattling wheeze.
Then, slowly, he lifted his face, his eyes hollow and unfocussed.
"I'm sorry," Vareon whispered.
Lyselle froze in her place.
Her breath hitched as she looked down… his stomach was no longer just swollen.
The grotesque bulge twisted under the armor, pressing outward in sharp angles as if something inside was clawing for release.
"W-What… what's happening…?"
She stumbled backward and fell onto the ground, still staring at him.
Her body refused to move, caught in the shock of her father's condition.
"ARGHHH!!!"
Vareon's body shook violently.
His back arched and a raw scream tore from his throat.
Then finally… it burst.
