Chapter 57: The Weight of Silence

Avyaane pov

The ceiling fan rotated. Repeat after repeat. Its blades sliced through the thick air in my chamber, agitating the stale air without actually relieving it. With my body wedged into the mattress as though it were attempting to engulf me, I lay there looking up at it. My eyes felt dry, gritty, and burning. Two sleepless nights. By now, the shadows beneath them have to be as dark as bruises, a visible representation of the fatigue that enveloped me like a second skin. I moved my head, a motion that took more effort than it needed to. The nightstand's alarm clock radiated a crimson that seemed accusing. 3:47 A.M. Another restless night is almost over, and as dawn approaches, it will usher in yet another uncertain day filled with loneliness.

The pillow next me still carried Killian's scent, a comforting blend of sandalwood and rain. He had visited earlier, to see how I was doing. Always make sure. perpetually in the air. Where, though, were the others? The question kept comin