Chapter 52

A weak groan slipped past my lips as I lazily turned to the side, my fingers scraping against the moist sand. The smell of earth and leaves filtered into my nose and I coughed lightly, pushing myself to a sitting position. My muscles protested at the sudden movement, a wince contorting my features as I managed to sit upright.

For a moment, my vision blurred and all I could see was the hazy outlines of the trees surrounding me. My head was throbbing like crazy and my ribs hurt, the constant chirping of the birds overhead only served as an annoyance.

"Shit," I cursed when my fingers made contact with the back of my head, the spot was tender and sore. Bright splotches of red cover the tips of my fingers.

I had to get out of here, and fast.

I looked around warily, the entire area was empty save for a few squirrels darting around the bushes. My breathing was heavy and laboured, a dizzy spell threatening to overtake me. When I looked up, the bright ray from the sunlight shone on my face and