Chapter 32

ACHILLES. Shock reverberates in my body. Time seems to be slowing down, or at least, I feel like it’s slowing me down. I get off my seat to rush toward Hyperion, but it seems like everything is not clicking into place. Around me, everyone is panicking. Benjamin basically crashes on his knees and tries to lift Hyperion, but he’s not responding. Blood continues to gush out of his lips in that foamy, bubbly consistency. His eyes are starting to roll into his skull. His hands are turning bright purple, like his circulation is being cut. It’s a highly sensitive situation. It’s urgent and I know that I need to be present right now, but my disbelief is so strong that I can’t bring myself to do anything. I can’t even think. I don’t even think I can breathe right now. Carlos grabs my arm, and that seems to break the spell. I look at him and he says, “We need to save him, now.” That gets me moving. And this time, I’m moving at an impossible speed. I kneel beside Benjamin who is still strugg