Page 81 of Cerulean Truth

I was cold. I was no longer wearing my coat.

My arms were pinned down and I couldn’t move against the pressure that was holding them in place.

A blinding pain started shooting up and down my left arm.

Burning.

It was burning. Something or someone was burning my arm off!

I wanted to move my arm, move it away from the pain, but I couldn’t.

I wanted to scream but I couldn’t make a sound.

I was gagged.

Wiggling my fingers wasn’t possible and my hands were immovable.

My legs were bound as well.

And my feet. I couldn’t move a godsdamn limb.

Was I seated? Was I lying down?

The pain in my arm was excruciating. I had to fight back!

I tried to see my own feet.

All I could see was black.

Were my eyes even open?

No!

I tried to pry my eyes open but something was blocking the movement.

Don’t. Panic.

I took a deep breath. Trying to block out the pain.

At least I was still breathing.

Raggedly. But breathing.

And I had my mind. I wasn’t drowsy, I wasn’t drugged. I had a massive headache but my brain was fully functional.

I tried to wiggle my toes. Yes! Movement!

I exhaled softly in relief. The pain didn’t subside but the burning was constant, making it easier to block it out.

Information. I needed more information. Pushing down my toes I could feel something pushing back.

I was definitely not lying down.

I was standing up.

A small wave of panic washed over me. Then, slowly but steadily, every few seconds, wave after wave after wave would follow.

“Are you sure that’s how it’s done?”