Jayden struggled, muscles straining, his breath ragged as he yanked against the bindings, but the vines only tightened. Then, just as panic started to creep in, two more shot forward, striking him squarely on the forehead, connecting themselves to his temples.

A burning pain rushed through his skull, spreading like wildfire beneath his skin. It felt as though the vines had pierced him, threading their way into his veins, fusing with his very essence.

His vision blurred. His body ...