Ethan's eyes fluttered open. He blinked, disoriented by the bright light of the room. Slowly, he became aware of his surroundings: the familiar walls of his dormitory, the concerned faces of his friends.
"He's awake!" Elaina exclaimed, relief flooding her voice. She leaned in closer, her eyes searching his. "Ethan, are you okay?"
Ethan tried to speak, his throat dry and sore. "What... happened?" he croaked.
Kate handed him a glass of water. "You've been out for days," she said softly. "We were so worried."
Zadan's face was a mixture of relief and frustration. "You scared us half to death, man. What were you doing in there?"
Ethan sipped the water, feeling its coolness revive him. He took a deep breath and began to explain. "I was fighting... something inside me. A darkness. It felt like it was trying to take over."
