The cry of an infant stirred Damon from the haze.
He lifted his head slowly and found himself staring at rough bark inches from his face. No, not bark. A canopy. A vast tree towered above him, its branches stretching hundreds of meters into the sky, its leaves spreading wide and casting a cool, heavy shade across the forest floor.
Something tugged at his cheek.
At first, he thought it was an insect. Then he felt the faint pressure of tiny gums pressing against his skin. It was not painful. Barely noticeable, in fact. There was only a faint scent, warm and milky, as the small mouth gummed his face with surprising determination.
Damon did not move. He only stared ahead, frozen in confusion.
A red blur suddenly swept into his vision and scooped the creature away.
He blinked and pushed himself upright.
