Scent of a Second Chance

The sterile stench of bleach and medicinal herbs dragged Torin's consciousness out of the darkness.

A rhythmic, high-pitched beep pierced his eardrums. Muffled voices drifted from near the foot of the bed. But beneath the harsh chemical sting of the clinic, a different aroma invaded his lungs. Something sickeningly sweet. Something entirely too familiar.

His inner beast surged against his ribs.