Chapter 152

Maxine’s POV

"Stay calm," Cinder instructed, her voice steady. "Breathe. Focus on your breathing and try to stay in control."

"Come on, Maxine. You can do it." Zel assured me, keeping a safe distance away from me. I could tell she wanted to help me but her hands were tied. This was something I had to go through.

I closed my eyes, trying to follow her instructions, but the pain was a lot. It felt like my body was being torn apart from the inside.

Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore, a sudden, intense heat washed over me, and I screamed.

The last thing I saw before my vision went black was Cinder's worried face and Zel reaching out to help me. The world around me faded into darkness, and I fell against the cold earth.

***

When I woke up, I was confused. I didn't know where I was and I had a brief moment of sheer panic. I sat up quickly, wincing as I felt pain in my back.

The memories of what had happened befor