I ran down the corridor, lantern swinging wildly, the sounds of the climbing ghoul fading behind me.
My left arm was still numb from where the ghoul's claws had caught my shoulder.
Paralysis toxin. Should wear off in a few minutes.
Except it wasn't wearing off.
It was spreading.
The numbness crept down my left side, shoulder to ribs to hip. My left leg started to drag, the muscles not responding properly.
I stumbled, catching myself against the wall with my right hand.
No. This isn't right.
I tried to take another step. But my left leg buckled completely. I went down hard, knees cracking against stone, barely managing to keep my lantern from shattering.
The paralysis was spreading faster now. My entire left side was dead weight. And it was moving toward my chest, toward my lungs.
If it reaches my diaphragm, I can't breathe. If I can't breathe—
Panic clawed at my throat.
