Pumped with Drugs

Kieran wasn't the only one disconcerted by his comment. 

Whereas he felt self-loathing, disgusted with himself for expecting more torture than he endured, Lillian gave him a repulsed look… for other reasons, which Kieran naturally misunderstood. 

A lack of information paved the way for incessant misunderstandings.

"What do you mean, is that it?"

Kieran smiled thinly and shrugged.

"I don't know. I just expected more from them. It was so short-lived."

Lillian's jaw dropped, and her mind reeled. She was left speechless and then seemed distraught all over again and on the verge of tears. 

"Are you kidding me?! These are your final reserves of X-hancers. It's all spent. We're royally screwed, Kieran. Screwed! Are you telling me those X-hancers did nothing for you energy-wise?"

The roles instantly reversed, and now Kieran was on the verge of tears, holding his head in utter disbelief.