Noah.
A sharp, metallic burn scraped against the back of my throat as my eyes snapped open.
The sensation was so harsh that I nearly coughed, but I forced the reaction down. My lungs seized painfully, my chest heaving as I dragged in a cold, ragged breath that seemed to scrape its way through my throat and settle heavily in my chest. The bitter stench of blood and dark wolfsbane hung thick in the air, clinging to every breath I took.
Pain radiated through my ribs like a spreading fire, sharp and relentless, making every muscle in my body lock up beneath the sheer weight of exhaustion. Even the smallest movement felt impossible. My body felt heavy, drained of strength, as though every ounce of energy had been stripped away.
I didn't move, and I didn't let my breathing change.
