You're not quite sure what happened. A moment ago, you were crawling back from certain doom, but now, all the shadow dog are gone- there was a flash of light, dissipating all of them. Did you do that?

You're lying on your back, unable to move. Your body still aches, even worse than before. You're soaked to the bone, exhausted, the only thing keeping you awake being the icy rain hitting your face. Head in a thick fog, you slowly regain your senses, starting to feel a smidge of relief. The hounds are gone. It's quiet again. You're free. Maybe you'll live.

But your solace is short lived. Steps approach. You try to look in the direction of the noise, but you barely manage to shift your weight, a groan escaping your lips as pain radiates through your body.

Aah~ still awake, hm?

A deep, feminine voice breaks the silence, rapidly coming closer. You try to look towards her, but your eyes wont focus, and all you can see are fuzzy shapes. The imposing figure kneels to your side, and tells you in a tone you cant help but find reassuring

Neat trick you've pulled off there. Not that I'd expect anything less from you...

Her fingers run through your hair, cusp your cheek

You've given me quite the trouble, treasure; but I've finally got my hands on you. Rest, now.

And despite the terror ensnaring your heart, you feel your consciousness fade, the last thing you feel being a pair of strong, warm hands effortlessly picking you off the ground.