Experiment of Madness

57-Fade Out-Aerra

I open my eyes, confusion filling my mind. The absence of Dag beside me is noticeable, his absence leaving a feeling of loneliness.

My eyes catch a glimpse of Fane beside me, his grin bringing a mix of embarrassment and amusement. As I look at him, his eyes are still filled with amusement, a knowing look in his gaze.

"Good morning, sunshine,"* he says, his words accompanied by a playful sparkle in his eyes. His greeting carries a hint of teasing, a gentle jab at my presence.

I start to respond, but my sentence gets cut off as I look over to see Dag sleeping on the bed, the sight bringing a faint smile to my face. There's a sense of relief and happiness at seeing him there, safe and near me once more, but my eyes still glance to Fane, curious about what's going on.

Surprised, I look up to see Fane in my room. I frown, confusion clouding my face as I ask, "Why are you here, too?"

I can't help but chuckle. Fane responds with a playful tone, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Come on now, you're wounding me. We're basically family now," Fane says, his words carrying the warmth of our relationship. He teases me, his tone light and friendly.

There's a somber note in my voice, a hint of sadness underlying my words. "A family? I don't know what it feels like to have one," I respond, my words carrying a weight of longing and sadness.
I can't help but smile softly. "But I have Dag," I answer, the thought of his presence filling my heart with a sense of reassurance.

Fane responds warmly, a hint of understanding in his tone, and his words carry reassurance. "Yeah, you do," he agrees, his words acknowledging the significance of Dag in my life. "You've got him, and he's there for you."

"Don't you think I'm crazy?" I ask, my voice carrying a mix of amusement and frustration.

I still remember Ivarsen's words.How he looked at me...how he spoke...he wasn't scared of me but he was scared for his family.

"Maybe, but who's not? Especially in this city. You should know everyone here is a bit crazy," Fane teases. His tone conveys a mix of humor and acceptance.

Fane's eyes widen in surprise, but there is a hint of amusement in his tone as he responds. "I'm known of the crazies ones. By the way, I have an evil twin sister, too. She's not really my twin, but she matches my recklessness," he explains.

"You sound good,"Dag says, his words a subtle compliment. There's a hint of relief in his tone, as if he's glad to hear that I'm speaking.

Dag responds to the question, his tone gentle and reassuring, "Are you awake?" I can't help but smile, a warm feeling of relief filling my heart, knowing that he's alert and lucid.
I chastise him lightheartedly, my tone carrying a touch of concern. "I told you to hold still, even when I'm sleeping. You have injuries - and you're now even more tired," my voice carrying a hint of gentle scolding, yet also filled with concern for his well-being.

Dag's words carry a depth of emotion, his voice softer and filled with yearning. "I don't like it when I'm away from you," he admits softly, his eyes fixed on me, the tenderness reflected. There's an earnest vulnerability in his gaze.

Fane, teasing, throws a playful jab. He pretends to fake a gagging motion, exaggerating his expression as he imitates someone getting nauseous. "Ah, I think I'm going to be sick,"

Dag rises to his feet, a hint of a smile on his lips. He stands by the side of the bed, looking at me, a mix of affection and concern in his eyes. His tone soft, filled with both playful banter and a touch of reassurance. "So, my mad girl...."

I smile, but my smile slowly fades as I notice him wincing. Concern surges through me, my brows furrow slightly. I can see the pain etched on his face, and my heart tightens with worry.