SLOANE'S POINT OF VIEW.

My world comes back to me in bits and pieces as I wake up with a cough. Everything burns.

My throat.

My chest.

My heart.

My lungs sting as taking in air feels like being stabbed with a thousand needles. Suddenly, I'm pulled forward, as something solid collides with my body.

"Breathe, princess. I wouldn't want to kiss you yet. You'd like it too much."

Someone says, as their hands rub on my back. My coughing fit doesn't let me see who it is, because my eyes are shut tight ...