The world was a blur of pain and darkness.
Elara floated in and out of consciousness, her body screaming with agony. She could hear voices distant, muffled, like echoes from the bottom of a deep well. Someone was shouting her name. Someone was holding her hand.
"Elara! Stay with me! Please, stay with me!"
Julian. She recognized his voice, raw with terror. She tried to open her eyes, but her lids were too heavy. She tried to speak, but no words came.
"Don't you dare leave me, Elara. Don't you dare. I love you. I love you so much."
She felt herself being lifted, carried. The movement sent fresh waves of agony through her body. She cried out, a weak, pitiful sound.
"I know, baby, I know. I'm sorry. Just hold on. Please, just hold on."
There was the sound of a car door opening, then clo
