After days without a drop, Alex was finally given water. The moment the cool liquid touched his parched throat, a sudden tightness gripped him.
His hand shot to his neck as a burning sensation spread like wildfire. His pupils dilated in alarm, and a second later, he coughed blood, splattering violently from his mouth.
"P-Please… help," he choked out, collapsing to the floor. His head hit the ground with a dull thud as he coughed more blood.
His vision blurred, and his breath came in shallow, ragged gasps.
Just then, a firm grip yanked his hair, wrenching his head back. Agonizing pain tore through his scalp, forcing his eyes open through sheer instinct.
He found Gabriel before him, whose deadly glare fixed on Alex.
Trembling, Alex brought his hands together in a desperate plea, the tears now spilling freely down his blood-streaked face.
