Briar
The forest was dark, shadows twisting into menacing shapes as I ran. My lungs burned, legs aching as I pushed myself harder, faster. Branches whipped at my face, leaving stinging scratches, but I didn't slow down. I had to find him. Had to save him.
"Damian!" I screamed, my voice hoarse and desperate. "Damian, where are you?"
A pained howl pierced the night, sending chills down my spine. I burst into a clearing, moonlight illuminating the scene before me. My heart stopped.
Damian lay on the ground, his body broken and bloody. His chest heaved with labored breaths, each one seeming more difficult than the last. His eyes, usually so full of life and mischief, were dull and unfocused as they met mine.
"Briar," he whispered, his voice weak and raspy. "You came back."
I fell to my k
