Just before Mr. Ikka spoke, Ephi's nails starting growing longer, curling into small, sharp, black, claws. Somehow, Mr. Ikka's voice pierced through the thoughts racing through her mind...
"What you see is not real.."
'What? It is, I've felt these stones before. I know it's not happening now, but it's as real as the old man.'
"See your four walls, your glowing hearth, your warm blankets..."
He was painting a warm and comforting place for Ephi to retreat to. She did as she asked and gasped, partly in pain, and partly in surprise, as her nails started to return to normal.
"You are safe here. There is nothing that can harm you here. You are not alone here, not while I am here!" The old man was shouting now. Ephi's heart slowly stopped pounding, and returned to normal. Sweat beaded on Ephi's forehead, and she trembled from shock, fear, and exhaustion. She opened her eyes, and slowly looked up at the man that now knew she wasn't human.