Chapter 58 - Kiema

It felt like someone was running sandpaper through my veins. I whimpered against the pain. Everything hurt.

A low voice next to my ear was murmuring, the tone low and soft. I turned my head, wanting more of that sweet music. With a fight, I raised my lids a fraction.

Bright light surrounded me, stabbing me through the eye straight into my brain. I snapped my lids closed, turned away. That low sonorous voice grew harsh as it barked commands. Soon, darkness descended behind my lids as a cool mist fluttered into the air around me.

Like being dipped in a cool pool after too long in the sun, I could feel my skin soaking up the moisture. I relaxed down onto the uncomfortable bench, letting my muscles lengthen as much as possible.

"That's the way, love. Let the eggheads do their work," Lukas said. His accent and slang making me smile.

"You can take your hands off her now. And no, that wasn't a suggestion," someone said from above me, voice harsh and tight.

"I'm not leaving un