Demian jolted awake. His hair was damp and sweat poured down his face and back, making his hair and shirt stick to him. His breaths came out ragged and sharp as if he couldn't get enough air into his lungs. The blood in his veins felt like ice, contrary to the burning sensation that filled his throat and chestal area, and his body shivered uncontrollably.
His heartbeat quickened as the darkness around him did not dissipate even upon waking. Demian stumbled out of bed and made a beeline straight for the large windows and yanked the curtains open. Moonlight flickered in through the window, dusting the room in its blue glow, making it feel a little less suffocating. The darkness dissipated enough for him to see, for him to know that he was surrounded in a murky void.