Chapter 232

Celena's Perspective Pain. Boundless, endless pain, seeping from the marrow of my bones, a rending deep within my soul. I wasn't unconscious, not truly. More like trapped behind a thin film of awareness. I could perceive the outside world hazily, but I was paralyzed, voiceless. Then, I "saw." Not with my eyes. A more inward form of sight. A shadow, a feminine outline, was struggling, slowly "standing up" from my own limp form. She had no substance, composed more of pale mist and flowing darkness. I could just make out curves, but no flesh, no warmth. Just a... phantom reflection. Who was that? A part of me? The shadow wavered, turning. On the floor lay Karl. And from beneath him, dark red, viscous blood began to well up uncontrollably, defying gravity. It gathered, flowed as if alive, slithering toward the shadow. The moment shadow and blood met, the silhouette seemed injected with a vile vitality, becoming slightly more solid. Then, togeth