Elian woke up to silence. The [Noise-Canceling Earplugs] had worked wonders, blocking out Cassian's muttered sleep-poetry about Rowena's golden tresses.
He pulled the plugs out.
"My heart aches," Cassian said immediately from the pillow next to him.
"Good morning to you too," Elian groaned, rubbing his face. "Does it ache, or is it just indigestion from the dried meat?"
Cassian rolled over. He looked wrecked. The Pendulum Effect was a demanding mistress; maintaining that level of artificial obsession was physically draining. His eyes were shadowed, his skin pale, but the manic light of devotion still burned bright.
"I dreamt of our wedding," Cassian whispered, reaching out to stroke Elian's cheek. "You wore gold. You looked... radiant."
Elian flinched. 'Gold. Rowena's color.'
"I look terrible in gold," Elian said flatly. "It washes me out."
Cassian frowned, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. "Nonsense. You are perfect."
