I could not focus on the flickering flames, and could not feel my legs to stand. I did not even know why i was trying. How could i walk into the fire? What had been in that drink?
Strong arms lifted me to my feet, and steadying hands led me towards the bonfire. Was i to be the sacrifice after all?
"wait!" i tried to say, but only a grunt escaped my lips. The hands let go and i fell forward into the flames. Blistering heat struck my exposed flesh as the fire roared all around me. I screamed, fighting against the terrible burning, stirring sparks and cinders, and struggling to stand despite the strange intoxication. Nothing made sense. "is this it?" i thought, "is this the way i'll die?"
"come to me, jade. Never end." her voice was close. I could not tell if my eyes were closed or had been burned from their sockets. All i knew was i had to get to Anya. Just a little further...
I fought against the vertigo and found my legs beneath me. Like a baby i commanded each muscle, teaching them their responsibilities, as the searing flames ate away my skin. "i will not die like this!" i grunted through gritted blackening teeth.
Um continued again