k as the lightning struck, ri

g hit by a massiv

whelmed by the shock and t

ed bolt, sharp and searing, as if ev

it felt like my bones migh

ged through my skin, hotter than

the sharp, acrid scent

? My cl

ter. I just wa

a struggle, each one clawing at my throat as

ven though I could hear myself gasping, my mou

ly in my chest that I though

up there who cared to listen, my thr

had to get

then, the pa

urs, my every muscle prote

the river. It

gony too much, m

river so

all off my bones, but I still kept craw

to the river and

he water, everythi

ng anymore, my muscl

felt open, allowing my lungs

s air but it wasn't air that

as in t

way through my spine,

s finally at peace. My a

t wanted

so t

, sitting high and proud i

Eclipse star

me, its light washing over me. My lungs fille

ill didn

uldn't I be panicking, stan

ace, a calmness I'd

e, at peace, gaz

ed me, but my eyes rema

eaut

sness faded, a

pered, bubbles e

l me under, embracing

*

it's too earl

, mum. Please

A little while longer, then you

promi

romi

sciousness fl

t water, my lungs burn

ing the excess water. Tears a

anything from the tearing pain in my

s every

cles in my lower back an

vomiting-amazed I hadn't expelled any

l on my lower bac

to the voices and wh

know about this," a

ot now," came the rep

y eyes and took in

e were two people, sta

nd understanding, while th

my age, while the woman's was

an said with a

te the words because my

tress your lungs,"

still rubbing my back. I turned,

me, her big innocent

tried to smile

n so mu

" I managed

're

the older woman i

e, her harsh gaze ma

name?" she

hing about this wom

said. "Now, Ravenna, how did

"The last thing I remembered was the river

er eyes still harsh.

poke up. "Sofia, she can barely think straight. Gi

her gaze but sa

the girl said and Joseph

lack spots danced in my vision, a

y in time to retch again, ex

bing my back, and I fe

ned, feeling a little better

aid as she and Jos

could feel her eyes burning

up to her she would leave me to die here, but

they half-carrying m

g me so I had to say s

ck territory," the girl

h