Lowell leans against the tree, wiping sweat off his brow. His entire body burns with heat and pain emanating from within; his muscles ache as though they have been at war for days. At intervals, fever descends and leaves him weak and lightheaded. He grits his teeth against the agony, determined that he will not let his body betray him any longer.

"For three fucking days," he mutters, dragging his palm down his face. His claws have extended into the line of an uncomfortable scratch on his skin, ...