Pauline's POV
The agony struck without warning, as if steel claws were tearing through my insides. My chest constricted, each breath becoming a struggle while my stomach twisted in violent spasms.
Fire exploded through my core, radiating outward until every nerve screamed in protest. My legs gave out beneath me, and I crashed against the cold stone wall, my fingernails scraping desperately for purchase.
Through the haze of pain, I spotted a figure I recognized. "Arnold!" The name ripped from my throat.
His head snapped toward me, and his expression shifted to pure terror when he saw me crumpled on the ground like a broken doll.
"Pauline!" His voice cracked with urgency as he sprinted toward me, dropping to his knees beside my trembling form. "What's wrong?"
Words felt impossible. I could only shake my head frantically while another wave of torment crashed through me. "Everything hurts," I whispered, my palm pressed hard against my abdomen.
