Ka'z's eyes fluttered open, but the brief moment of consciousness was immediately followed by a stabbing pain that tore through his chest. His entire body stiffened as his hand instinctively flew toward the wound, his claws digging into the fabric wrapped around his torso while his teeth clenched tightly together.
Even the smallest movement sent another sharp pulse through his chest, making his breathing hitch. This was not the kind of injury he could simply grit his teeth through and ignore. His body felt as though something had been driven straight through his ribs and left there, twisting whenever he moved. He tried to lift his head enough to look down, but the pain became so intense that he immediately abandoned the attempt.
"Huff!"
Ka'z exhaled shakily, allowing his head to sink back into the haystack. For several seconds he simply lay there, staring at the ceiling while his breathing slowly steadied.
