The moment Ellio’s body hit solid ground, the tentacle loosened its hold and slipped away. It vanished as quickly and mysteriously as it had appeared. He barely had time to process it.
Ellio collapsed onto the damp earth, coughing violently as mud and water forced their way out of his lungs. His body convulsed with each breath, his chest heaving as he struggled to take in air again.
His hands clawed at the ground beneath him, fingers digging into the soil as if to make sure it was real. That he was really out. Alive.
Mud dripped from his face, his hair plastered against his forehead, his entire body trembling from exhaustion and shock. He turned to his side, still coughing, trying to clear the disgusting taste from his mouth.
For a few moments, all he could hear was his own ragged brea
