The first thing I do is scream, but my voice is lost in the darkness.

The second thing I do is cry, but my tears are lost in the heat of his breath.

The third thing I do is run, but my steps are lost in a totally futile attempt.

His wings are moving around me, slowly, heavily, as a dense stone whirlwind. I can see the smoke coming out between his teeth, like a sinister thread that rises into the sky. In a deep, thundering voice that seems to shake every single bone in my body, he orders me to stop running around like this.

There is nothing I can do but obey.