Qi Jianyi wiped the blood from her lips with trembling hands, her fingers pale and shaky. The metallic taste lingered, a cruel reminder of her deteriorating state. She splashed cold water on her face, hoping it would bring her some semblance of normalcy.
But no matter how much she tried to compose herself, the burning pain in her chest and the throbbing in her head refused to relent.
Her breaths came shallow and labored, each one a struggle, yet she forced herself to move. Step by step, she trudged back to her bed, her legs feeling like lead, her body screaming in protest.
When she finally reached the bed, her strength gave out entirely. She collapsed onto the mattress, her limbs heavy and lifeless.