บท 151: Subject 666 [2]

Moments after the words were spoken, Azriel's eyes shot open, blinking as he squinted against the blinding white light that surrounded him.

A sharp throb pulsed in his head. Groaning, he forced himself up with one trembling hand.

'Wait...!'

His eyes widened as the realization hit him.

"I... I can move!"

Relief flooded through him. He wasn't forced to watch this time, wasn't trapped, merely an observer.

"Can I speak...?" he whispered, and then chuckled weakly.

"I can. Good. Didn't think I'd miss talking this much."

But as he tried to stand, his legs buckled, weak and unsteady. He collapsed, catching himself with his hands.

"Agh… damn it."

His body felt drained, wracked with pain and exhaustion. Every inch of him trembled, but somehow his mind felt clearer than before. He breathed in slowly, trying to compose himself.

Azriel attempted to stand again, every muscle shaking violently as he gritted his teeth.