Prologue
It starts with darkness.
A deep, pulsing darkness, like the very bowels of the earth have swallowed me whole.
My eyes are open, I’m sure, but I can’t see anything but blackness.
There’s something wet on my face. I try to lift my hand to touch it, but my arm won’t cooperate. Everything feels distant, like my body belongs to someone else.
I’m in the front seat of my car, but the metal is twisted, pinning me back against the seat. Something sharp digs into my hip, probably part of the door that’s apparently decided to relocate itself into my personal space.
Then there’s an unfamiliar voice, speaking to me with an urgency I’ve never heard before.
“Stay with me, mate, stay with me.” The guy’s voice is low and reassuring. It’s a deep voice, full of layers like a decadent chocolate cake.
Rich, comforting, and slightly addictive.
I want to respond, ask who he is and where I am, but the words won’t come.
And I’m struggling to obey the voice’s instructions because every part of me wants to surrender to the darkness that’s edging closer.
“That’s it, just keep breathing,” the voice says, low and reassuring.
“Can do…breathing,” I manage, the words thick and strange in my mouth. Something’s wrong with my face. The right side won’t move properly.
I sense rather than see him lean closer. “What’s that, mate? Say it again for me?”
“Still…breathing.” Even two words exhaust me. A metallic flavor floods my mouth. It’s definitely not a new energy drink flavor.
“I need to check your eyes. I’m going to use my phone light for just a second. Try to look straight ahead.”
Sudden brightness stabs into my left eye. I can’t help flinching.
“Good reaction. Now the right.” The light moves. This time, the pain is sharper, radiating through my skull. “A bit sluggish on this side, but reactive. That’s good.”
The light disappears, and I’m blind again, spots dancing in the darkness. I didn’t even have a chance to get a glimpse of my rescuer.
“Can you tell me your name?” chocolate-cake voice asks.
I fumble in the haze of my brain. I do have a name. It’s located somewhere around here.
“F…” My mouth won’t form the sound properly, but I persevere. “Felix.”
“Good, Felix. That’s brilliant. I’m Jared. I’m going to help you, but I need you to keep talking to me. I’m going to ask you some questions. Don’t try to nod or shake your head—just say yes or no. Understand?”
“Yeah.” The word comes out more like “yuh.”
His hands are firm but gentle against my temple. “Can you feel this?”
“Yes.”
“How about this?” Something touches my shoulder.
“Yes.”
Then my other shoulder. “How about now?”
“Yes.”
