Kai's arms shook as he held Varaan close to him. Her body was limp and too light, like she was already slipping away. The Hollowfang's poison was strong. Every breath she took was quick and shaky, barely louder than the sound of his own heartbeat. Her skin was burning with fever, but underneath, it felt cold—like her body was losing the fight. Sweat covered her, and her lips had turned a dark purple.
Under her skin, thick black veins pushed out from the bite, moving and pulsing in a strange, sick way. They spread like cracks in glass, growing with each beat of her heart—proof that the poison was winning. Kai felt a tight pain in his chest. She was slipping away, like smoke he couldn't hold on to.
"Stay with me, Varaan," he said softly, his voice breaking.
