Austin's Pov
Pain. That's all I felt when my eyes flickered open. A dull ache rushed through my mind in my neck, reminding me of the force that had knocked me out. The night sky was veiled by thick, twisted branches, and the scent of the dried leaves, and decay was everywhere. I blinked, trying to remember how I'd ended up sleeping in the dirt.
Then it hit me—Selena and the others. They'd left me.
"Damn it!" I cursed, slamming my fist into the ground. My frustration began to simmer as I staggered to my feet. The forest around me was silent, save for the distant rustling of leaves in the breeze. My muscles were hurting, but I ignored the pain. It would go away soon, anyways. I didn't have time to dwell on betrayal. Not now.
