AURORA
My eyes sprang open, and the first thing that greeted me was a horrible sting that made me gasp—the sound of a wet, hitching breath that died in my throat. I rubbed at my face, but I could not get a grip; everything was too slippery. Exhaustion receded, and in its place was utter panic. My body felt light—too light not to be inside water—yet so heavy because there were hands on me.
I could not see past the stinging as I began to struggle, my limbs flailing against the force trying to drown me. I opened my mouth to scream, but only a silent, desperate tremor shook my chest.
"Calm down," the voice stopped me dead, my heart stuttering when I realized it was Cyrus's usual sultry timbre.
