Chapter 53

• Neither of us spoke or moved for several moments as we tried to force oxygen into our bodies. He released my hand and hugged me against his chest as he fought to breathe.
• Before I could speak a pain tore through my whole body. My back, shoulder and leg burned like they were being tore apart. I screamed. Leone jumped up to his knees above me, but I was paralyzed and couldn’t speak. Fear was etched in his face.
• When the burning ebbed, I scrambled off the bed, yanking the blanket with me. “What the hell.” I stopped and moved the blanket, then lifted my leg up. It wasn’t stiff or sore. I looked at him, he stared at my leg. I lifted my hand toward it. “There’s no pain,” I frowned, “my back either.” I gave him a puzzled look, then I saw my arm. An intricate design weaved its way down over my skin, wrapping my entire arm.