82

“T-two days!” Layla gasped, snapping her head to Alaric. “I was a-asleep for… two days! How?”

“Because the experiment took a toll on you. It’s quite surprising you’re awake. The parliamentarians expected you to be in a coma for at least four days to a week.” He said, running his fingers through his black hair and disheveling it more. “Are you sure you’re alright though?”

“I’m still f-feeling very w-weak and tired, and my chest still… aches and feels… hollow… empty.” She muttered, pressing her hand to her chest and tapping her fingers against it.

A small pain buzzed in it, not enough to make her scream in agony but enough to make her feel uncomfortable. And there was a hollow, sinking feeling. Like something had been taken away from her leavng a gaping hole.

“Phantom pain. The parliamentarians said you would feel that for a few days. It mimics how you would feel when the mate bond is broken but more toned down.” He replied, and her shoulders dropped.

“Oh,” she breathed, balling her fi