I could feel the scorching sand pressing against my cheek, the tiny grains cutting into my skin.
My breath was shallow as I opened my eyes once again. The scenery was the same: a scorching sun, brilliantly blue sky, and no sight of anything for miles.
Reflexively, I searched for the figure I craved. No, he hadn't returned.
It was as if my mind had dissolved over the period of three days of nothingness, simply turning itself into a blank slate.
In some way, this was better than the pain. Than the unfortunately familiar feeling of hollowness in the space where my heart was supposed to be.
My heart had been twisted and turned, yanked and clawed at, by the two men who claimed me theirs. And now both of them were gone, as was everyone who was an important marker in my life.
If my stomach hurt because of the starvation, I couldn't feel it. My entire being was numb, physical and emotional.
The sand had found its way onto the roof of my mouth, causing a bothersome feeling.
From the corner of my eye, I could see the blood that had caked on my cheek from the attack: red, raw, and aching. Of course, it didn't bother me.
Death was near. I could feel it tingling through my nerves and my stiff body.
So many times I had almost died…back when I had met him, under the prowess of James the hunter. When Laurent had approached me alone…at a time like this, when he wasn't here anymore. And when Victoria and her army had sought me. Along with the several times that the wolves or vampires had thought to kill me.
This time, I knew it was it.
I was going to die.
Not with him by my side, like I thought it would be.
I was alone.
He wasn't here to save me.
I deserved it.
It was going to be slow without him.
And now I see a shadow a distance away. My eyes must be growing tired.
One last breath, and my life will disappear…