Chapter 19 The Union That Wasn't

• Luca awoke with uncanny awareness. No burning behind his eyes for the first time in days, perhaps weeks. No visions enveloped his head. Only a lightheadedness in his chest—temporary, odd, but somehow comforting.
• He slowly sat up, sweeping the morning light streaming through the window from his eyes. Something from the previous night lingered behind. Not the pictures, but an atmosphere—metaphorical heat, pain, something akin to peace. Hope. A heartbeat of someone, but not anyone's. A shiver of something which had been.
• He kicked legs over the headboard by increments, his toes tapping the chill of the floor. No other noise but raucous breathing to be heard. No indication of Jessie to be seen. No scent of perfume on the air. Stillness.