[A WHILE AGO]
NIGEL
The pain hit me without warning. One moment I was heading towards the room where Selene was being held. The next, I was doubled over, clutching at my abdomen. It felt as though I was being stabbed and prodded with a red-hot knife. I coughed up blood, sinking to my knees with my forehead pressed against the floor.
"Nigel?" I heard a feminine voice say. But I couldn't bring myself to look up, I collapsed sideways with a groan, curling tighter on my side.
I heard the soft patter of hurried footsteps, followed by the smell of peaches. It was her. Tara.
Her face loomed above mine, her beautiful features creased with concern.
"What's wrong? Is it your stomach—"
Before she could complete her statement, I coughed up more blood, writhing in agony.
"s**t, I'm going to tak
