Chapter 9
A cloud of smoke surrounds me, thinning in parts where something moves, squirms … advances on me.
The smoke gathers, shifting and morphing into the shadow of a human form. As my mouth opens around a scream, the figure approaches and reaches inside it. My tongue is pressed down, and I gag. Pain pumps its venom through my body as the smoke monster rips something out of me.
Its nails dig deep into my throat, slicing all the way down, ripping my flesh as I attempt to sound my protest. The agony drains me from consciousness, bit by excruciating bit. At last, when I start to pray for oblivion, for death, the thing pulls its hand, clutching its prize.
I try to speak, and nothing comes out. I stare at the thing’s hands, holding something small but important. My vocal cords, so tender
