---
Natasha dropped to one knee. Her hand hit the ground.
"What…"
Another cracking sound came from inside her body. This time it was her ribs. Natasha gasped.
Sofia immediately moved toward her.
"Natasha!"
She never reached her. Several bones inside Sofia's body fractured almost at the same time. Her shoulders jerked backward.
A deep crack came from her spine. Then another from one leg.
Sofia screamed. Blood burst from her mouth. Tiny red lines appeared under the skin of both arms before several blood vessels ruptured at once. Blood sprayed through small openings across her skin.
Elena moved instantly. She caught Sofia before she could hit the ground.
Natasha tried to stand. Her left arm broke under her own weight. She collapsed again.
More blood came from her nose.
"What is happening to you?" Elena asked.
Natasha tried to answer. She coughed first. Blood covered her lips.
"The power…"
Another crack came from her lower leg. She gritted her teeth.
