Reichardt's POV
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the light, too bright, too warm.
Noon?
Damn it!
I never slept that long. Not since the core took root inside me.
My head throbbed like a drum. My throat felt dry, and my heartbeat carried that familiar irregular rhythm, the one that reminded me I was never truly human anymore. I rubbed my temples, trying to piece together fragments of last night. And then I realized.
The bed was empty. The faint scent of wine and her perfume lingered, but she was gone. Panic struck like a blade through my chest.
"Ahce?"
I called, pushing myself up. The room was silent, the only sound coming from the ticking clock by the wall. I checked the washroom, the balcony, even the corner where her coat was last folded. Nothing. It shouldn't have bothered me this much. But it did.
