*Alec*

I jolted awake, my entire body pulsating with an intense pain that seemed to burn through my veins. Every breath felt like I was breathing burning liquid. It felt like someone had poured fire into my veins. I twisted in bed, trying to throw off the sheets, and realized that Ember’s side of my bed was empty and cold.

The haze of sleep and agony parted in my mind as my heart started to race. How long had she been gone? Where had she gone?

“Ember?” ...