EMMA
The first thing I was aware of was the burn in my throat. A raw, searing ache ripped through it making it it feel like I'd swallowed shards of broken glass.
A startled gasp tore from my throat at the sight before me.
Xavier was staggering toward me with a face pale as death. One hand clutched his bleeding shoulder while the other grasped a bunch of crushed leaves. Sweat clung to his brow, and his jaw was clenched in grim determination. His shirt was worn inside out, and his trousers were half-buttoned. He looked disheveled, wounded, and desperate.
"Stay… still," he commanded between gasps as his voice came strained and hoarse.
"Xavier—" I croaked.
That was a mistake.
The pain flared sharply and shot from my throat to my chest like wildfire. My back arched off the ground and my body convulsed in agony. I tried to lift my arms to claw at the invisible grip around my windpipe, but my limbs refused to move.
In an instant, Xavier dropped to his knees beside me.
