Stars?

"Ughh, I'm still alive I guess…" 

Alex's consciousness swam up from the deep abyss it felt like he had fallen into during the final moments of his fight against the beast, his mind sluggish and heavy.

A pounding headache greeted him as he slowly awoke, feeling as if his skull was about to split into two.

He groaned, trying to lift his head, but his muscles felt weak, almost weightless.

'Where… where am I?'

His vision was a blur, only able to make out vague shapes and shadows. For a moment, he felt a panic rise in his chest, but he forced himself to breathe slowly, letting his energy core stabilise in his body.

Gradually, his vision began to clear. He looked around, expecting to see the battlefield, the soldiers, the mercenaries and even the beast.

But there was nothing, just darkness.

Complete, enveloping darkness.

'Is this?'