C36 Whispers in the veins

Lucas woke in the middle of the night with a start. His breath came in ragged pulls, sweat slicking his skin despite the chill in the room. The fire crackled low in the hearth, casting long shadows across the walls.

But the shadows moved.

He pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the dark veins burn and throb. The pain wasn’t physical anymore—it was like a voice, slithering into his thoughts