Victoria
My head rested against the cold ground as I fought to stay conscious. The burning pain in my thigh told me one thing, the poison was spreading, and fast.
Sweat clung to my skin, my pulse erratic, and my vision swam. I wasn’t sure how I hadn’t passed out yet. Was it because of the jewel hidden in my pocket or something else keeping me tethered to consciousness?
My gaze drifted to the beast’s lifeless body beside me. At least no other creature had appeared. For now, I was safe.
I pushed myself upright with a shaky breath, scanning my surroundings for shelter. If Brandon truly cared, he might come looking for me, but the chances were slim.
No sane man would wander the Misty Forest at night.
Grabbing a fallen branch thick enough to use as a crutch, I forced myself to stand. My
