The cold of the stone bit into Erian's back, and his arms remained immobilized by the silk ribbon that kept him secured to the platform.. He couldn't move. He could barely breathe without the pain spreading further.
The burned incense, fresh blood, and dampness still permeated the air, heavy and difficult to ignore.
Erian felt the presence of 'SHE' very close, without needing to see her. It was a dense, persistent sensation, as if an invisible weight was pressing down on him from different angles. It didn't come from a specific spot; it was simply around, above, and far too near him.
Erian's breaths were short and rapid, a result of fear and accumulated pain. He tried to control them, but each one burned his chest. He didn't want to make a sound. He didn't want to draw more attention. He knew any noise could trigger something worse, and he didn't want to face it. Not when he could barely keep himself conscious.
