(GRIFFIN)
A sharp, sour tang cuts through the cool night air, threading into my dreams like a blade.
I smell fear.
My body snaps awake before my mind fully catches up. Every instinct flares to life, primal and urgent. My heart pounds as I turn my head, searching for the source. I find only Maya, curled tight on the blanket beside me, her face twisted in pain.
A low, broken whimper escapes her throat.
I sit up instantly, reaching for her. She's trembling, her hands clutching at the blanket like she's trying to hold on to something that's slipping away. Tears streak her cheeks, catching the faint light from the stars.
"Maya," I murmur, voice rough with sleep.
I touch her shoulder gently. She flinches hard, a soft sob tearing from her lips. "Maya, wake up," I try again, a little louder.
Nothing.
She's trapped in whatever hell her mind has conjured. Her breath comes in shallow gasps, like she's fighting something, or someone.
