Chapter 49: Revelations

I felt my knees buckle under the weight of despair that suddenly crashed over me. The force with which I landed on my knees ought to have hurt. Maybe it did, but I couldn't feel it. I couldn't feel anything other than the pain consuming me.

Gasping for breath, I clutched anxiously at my chest. When I looked down, I almost anticipated seeing a gaping hole with my insides falling out.

What was happening to me?

I needed air… I—I couldn’t breathe…

Panic started at the realization. I struggled to get to my feet so I could go to my window, but my feet didn't work, and my legs were too weak, so I crashed back to the ground again, fighting for air.

I was dying.

I—

A crash sounded from somewhere over me and I could hear voices speaking anxiously, but I couldn't lift my head. I couldn't focus on anything but trying to breathe through the pain. I felt hands gripping my shoulders and I clutched at the arms holding me.

Valen.