Page 29 of Dragon 7

Oh fuck. This is going to hurt.

The hooded figure holding the rod came forward and aimed that needle tip my way.

Jesus Christ.

I spread my legs open.

The figure with the bowl stepped over too.

“I will hold you.” The Death Guardian wrapped her strong arms around me. Warmth radiated from her. She sniffled. “I am with you.”

More tears left my eyes. “Okay.”

“You are not alone.” One tear left the Death Guardian’s eye. “I too. . .had to sacrifice in this way. . .”

My bottom lip quivered. “And did you regret it?”

“That does not matter now. We all make our choices and things happen the way they do.” She held me tighter. “Close your eyes.”

I did.

The tip of the rod began to enter me.

God. . .help me. . .do this. . .

“Now comes the pain, Tora.”

The tip touched me.

Went deeper.

Too deep.

And then pierced.

Stabbed.

Ripped.

Tore.

Burned.

“Oh God!” I grabbed the Death Guardian and screamed. “AHHH!!!!”

The other figure wrapped her hands around my mouth, keeping my screams in.

The Death Guardian's mouth came closer to my ear. "Then comes the power."

The tip twisted, and I howled into the hands, and they pressed harder, and still I struggled and battled through it all.

Ahhh!!! No!!!! No!!!

My back left the stone.

My screams tore loose and broke against the woman's palm, and the sound of it stayed trapped behind her hand.

Trembling, I clawed at the Death Guardian’s arms.