Burning Disappointment

Kieran could feel Lillian's trembling intensify as he held her. 

He didn't know why she was reacting so strongly to him having woken up, but she kept clinging even as he whispered soft, gentle consolations in her ear. 

'What's going on here?'

Listening to Lillian's breathing, he could hear soft sniffles between many of her breaths, causing him to lean back and notice her reddened eyes.

"What's the matter?"

No answer came as Lillian clung to Kieran with hitched breaths and muffled sniffles. Kieran took the time to let her work through her emotions as he focused on the wayward vials of X-hancers rolling here and there across the floor.

Thankfully, the vials had not shattered from being dropped, but Kieran felt a burning urge as he gazed at them. He wanted them — needed them. That desire welled inside him before he tried to curtail and manage it well.

However, it was difficult — denying himself was becoming difficult.