Jamela drifted in and out of consciousness, the world around her a blur of green and brown. Dimly, she was aware of the vines restraining her, squeezing her ribcage with inexorable force.
Just as the edges of her vision began to darken, a melodious laughter rang out through the trees. Suddenly, the vines loosened their grip, depositing Jamela unceremoniously onto the earthy forest floor.
She blinked in confusion, massaging her bruised ribs as the Kinnari descended in a flutter of pearlescent wings.
"Wh-what's going on?" Jamela rasped, staring up at the beautiful yet terrifying creature.
The Kinnari's eyes danced with glee. "A jest, dear girl - though I do admit my methods were a tad...dramatic." With a dismissive wave of her hand, the twisting creepers restraining Hank unraveled, freeing him to rush to Jamela's side.