Winter’s POV

It was only my mind turning against me.

I swallowed, pressed my forehead briefly to the cold rock, and crawled forward again.

I just had to keep pushing.

When I finally saw light at the end of the tunnel, relief crashed into me so hard it almost made me laugh. I picked up my pace, scraping forward on my elbows and knees, clawing my way out like a desperate rodent escaping a trap. The moment I broke free, cold air hit my face, and I sucked it in greedily.

I was covered in mud ...