My back hit the wall hard, my head snapping forward onto my chest as I tried to brace myself against the impact but failing miserably and I cried out in dismay as my blades went scattering across the tunnel and sliding out of my reach. Sharp pain shot down my spine and I felt that broken rib dislodge a little more inside, forcing tears free from my eyes; tears I didn't want him to see. I blinked them away quickly and focused on breathing, which proved more difficult than it should considering every intake of breath was like a kick to the ribs. I waited for the onslaught to begin, I waited for him to show himself and let rip at me with that monster that I knew was seething away just under the surface, but when I looked up he was standing further away from me, as if being too close disgusted
