Aiden woke in darkness. He wrenched himself upright, regretting it immediately as bile rose and spewed from his mouth and nose from the pain. His head spun, heart racing so fast he feared for his life. He rolled to his side with great effort and heaved from his empty stomach over and over as his body rebelled.
He felt unconsciousness close in as soon as he was done, and embraced the darkness.
***
When he woke for the second time, faint light shone on his cheek, warming his cold skin. He started to tremble when awareness returned, teeth chattering against the cool temperature. He didn't dare try to get up, remembering his last attempt. Instead, he curled himself into as tight a ball as he could and shivered himself back to sleep.
***