This is it.

I've finally figured it all out. This is bound to throw him off my trail for some time. He doesn't believe that I can pull it off, but this time, I've got it. This time, things will change. I will make them change. This will end this time.

I take a deep, centering breath as I begin to chant the ancient and powerful words. I have to make it perfect. If I mess anything up, it's over, I'm dead. I cannot let that happen. I still have something to do, but I need time. They need time, and I have to give it.

Damnit this hurts! The pain feels like my very veins are on fire, but I can't stop. The fire is spreading as I continue my spell. It's agony, my body screams, begs for me to stop, for the pain to cool, but I cannot. Not now that I'm so close! Victory is almost in reach and we have to reach it this time. There is not almost or partially any longer. It's do or die now, and I do not wish to die.

My head is spinning, my stomach churning, skin crawling, bones contracting. My mind is hazy, my thoughts cloudy. It's getting hard to breathe and to think. The words flow from my lips. I no longer have control of them as my mind shuts down, my eyes close, my voice stops, and I fall into the darkness.

My last thought is wondering when I will truly see light again.