The world swam back into focus in disjointed fragments. A blurry patch of floral wallpaper, the familiar scent of stale coffee and dust motes dancing in the weak sunlight filtering through the grimy window of his dorm room, the ache in his head that throbbed in time with the frantic beat of his heart. Ethan lay sprawled on the floor, the threadbare rug digging into his cheek. He remembered…the ring. The whispering voice. The dizzying kaleidoscope of scales and primal darkness.