She coughed violently, each spasm feeling like a fight for life. A mouthful of blood spilt forth, painting her lips a dazzling red. The metallic taste lingered, sharp and bitter.
She glanced down, her pale skin contrasting sharply with the vibrant hue that stained her blue chiffon dress. Clutching her abdomen, she felt the chill of the cave seep into her bones. The calm blue pool at the centre of the cave reflected her frail figure, yet her gaze was drawn to a hooded figure sitting nearby, their presence unsettling against the stillness.
With cautious grace, she rose to her feet, the remnants of her earlier struggle forgotten for a moment. Each step was light as if she were floating over the ground. "You said you would help me get what I want," she said, her voice trembling with urgency. "But this is not what I want."
