Bloodied and bruised, missing both arms and displaying a gaping hole in her waist, Judith did not stop. She continued to put one foot in front of the other, and by sheer effort and will power, she stepped onto the stone platform surrounding the gate and made her way through.
Opening her eyes, Judith gasped before she began to pant with the force of a steam pump. She was once again covered in sweat so her hair and clothes clung to her face and body like a second skin. She gripped her chest, feeling a mix of emotions and sensations that seemed to overwhelm her.
But more than anything, Judith felt alive. All her senses came alight, and within the second, something began to shift in her chest. Now focusing on it, Judith could discern if felt like a lump and it was a little above her heart. Once she had made this discernment, she could feel the lump shatter. And once more surge shot throughout her body so she could sparks surging in her blood.
