The sound of bone hitting stone echoed violently in the cavern. Isabella's heart jumped into her throat.
He fell onto one knee, one hand bracing the ground. His body curled forward slightly as he choked, a raw sound tearing from his throat.
Then he spat.
Thick black blood splattered across the ground. Dark. Viscous. Ugly. It oozed down his chin, dripping onto his chest in sick streaks.
Isabella gasped, her entire body jolting.
Her fan clattered from her hand without her noticing. She rushed forward, dress dragging behind her in a swirl of fabric and panic.
Her voice cracked on his name.
"Osiris. Osiris. How are you feeling. What is wrong. Talk to me."
He lifted his head slowly.
Too slowly.
His eyes were dimmer now. The glowing marks across his skin pulsed faintly like dying embers. Sweat clung to his hairline. His lips parted as if he were about to speak.
He looked anything but fine.
He looked like he was one breath away from collapsing entirely.
