My first need was to expel the contents of my stomach the moment consciousness returned. I struggled to keep the nausea in check, but found it difficult. My entire body was on fire, or felt that way at least, every pore gaping wide for relief. I gasped and panted for air, rolling over on something soft, wishing I didn't have to touch anything around me. The very brush of fabric on my skin was enough to rekindle the sensation of flames and crisping skin.

A pain like I had never ...