~SCARLETT.
Branches scraped at my skin as I stumbled through the dark forest, the cold air failing to dampen the fire surging through my veins. My breath came in sharp gasps, as if I couldn't inhale enough air to cool the heat consuming me. Each step felt like a battle against my own body. I didn't know where I was going. All I knew was I had to get away—from the noise, the firelight, from everyone.
From myself.
My lungs burned, struggling to keep pace with my frantic movements. A blistering ache spread low in my stomach. I tried to push it down, to reason with myself, but my body refused to listen.
Coming to a stop, I pressed my forehead against the rough bark of a tree, my hand gripping its trunk as I tried to steady myself. But the heat only grew stronger. My thighs squeezed togethe
