Where is he? she thought, her mind spiraling. Why isn't he here?
The ache in her chest grew unbearable, like molten fire spreading through her veins.
Her lungs felt as though they were collapsing, her ribs tightening as if something inside her was clawing to escape.
Her eyes stung, and she clawed at her neck in desperation, feeling as though she might suffocate.
She shifted on the bed, trying to find some semblance of relief, but the movement only intensified her torment.
Her body buckled, and with a sudden, sharp motion, she tumbled off the high bed. Her shoulder hit the floor with a sickening crack.
A scream lodged in her throat, too faint and broken to escape.
She lay there, writhing, her body trembling violently as she pressed a hand to her chest.
Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, the metallic taste flooding her senses.