228 If their hearts stop beating

They were all separated when they landed in the eternal darkness of the 'Gateway to Hell,' all except Annaliese and Oliver, who, similarly to the others, were severely wounded and unconscious. 

With a pained groan and her brows furrowed, Annaliese was the first to regain consciousness. Her entire body was aching, but it probably most likely had to do with the thorns wedged into her back from the tree her body was leaning against.

The jacket she adorned was filled with holes and tears, revealing the white underwear she had on underneath. 

Annaliese winced and groaned as she slowly moved forward, separating her back from the thorny tree. A shudder traveled her spine after she successfully freed herself, her body feeling numb and weak as if her life force was draining.

She fell forward on her arms, her chest heaving harshly with her ragged breathing as she tried reaching for a large thorn wedged deeply in her back, but she couldn't reach it.