The snow swallowed him. Damon had been running for too long, his muscles burning, his legs already heavier than stones in his boots. The wind was a constant whip, lashing his face until it opened small, icy cuts on his skin. His lungs burned as if they were filled with embers, and each step seemed slower, more dragging.
He dodged a fallen log, but his foot caught in the ice betrayed his balance.
"Shit—"
The world went white. His entire body lurched forward, and he landed with a sharp impact on the soft snow. The air rushed from his lungs, leaving him gasping, the spear slipping from his hand and lost in the white blanket.
Behind him, the sound.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
The ground vibrated like the drums of an ancient war. The colossal shadow advanced, snapping trees, tearing the silence of the blizzard with each step. Damon tried to stand, but his arms trembled. His body wouldn't obey.
And then, darkness fell upon him.
