Taunting shadows swam across her vision as thick dark tar slithered beneath her ribs.
Severine couldn't tell whether the darkness was invading her or blooming from her already rotting chest.
Invisible restraints bound her limbs, forcing her to endure the brunt of countless needles driving into her heart.
A bead of sweat rolled down her temple, slipping into her dark hair.
She opened her mouth to scream—to beg for help—but her lips remained sealed. Not even a whisper escaped.
Minutes? Hours?
Time had lost meaning to her senses. She struggled against the unseen bonds, yet they only tightened, biting deeper into her skin.
A heavy shadow fell on her, and her lungs constricted.
The darkness had taken the shape of a massive silver serpent, its dark green slits gleaming as it prepared to sink its fangs into her flesh.
No!
A sharp cry tore through her chest, only to get stuck in her strangled throat. Pale gray pupils dilated as she struggled to take in another breath.
Hiss.
