I needed exactly one hour.
As in, sixty minutes of absolute, self-suggesting, terrifying stillness just to reach a baseline where I could somewhat function without my own nervous system turning into a traitorous executioner of my dignity.
Within that time, I steeled myself and made a conscious decision to stop breathing.
It was a strange luxury, being a creature that no longer required oxygen to sustain its heart, and I was deeply grateful for it now.
After all, the simple act of air passing through my throat was a stimulus I couldn't afford, as the friction of my lungs expanding against my ribs felt like a jagged blade of pleasure sawing through my chest.
With every second, I loathed Eli's confidence and good conscience of wanting the best for me, as it was a mere mask to hide her mischievous attitude to play around with me now that she had already had access to a brand new toy in the form of my own Demonic Essence.
