Chapter 44: Star Refinement II

As Zariel returned to his dorm, he flopped down onto the couch, feeling all his being sinking into the cushion. He flopped over to his side, finding Aurelia on the other side of his couch, snoring away. He didn't have the energy to shoo her away. His arms and legs had been the heaviest they'd ever been. It had even hurt to breathe as he lay there burdened by a crippling insomnia. 

"I… am… so hungry," He muttered, feeling the ache of his swollen meridians being pushed well past their limits, standing on the verge of rupturing. He could only sigh, waiting for his stamina to recover. He'd taken a stimulant beforehand, but even so, he was drained. 

Just then, Aurelia shuddered, her beady eyes opening as she yawned. "Hiya dumb-dumb," she said, glancing at the time. "It's getting cold." 

Outside, small flecks came from clouds, kissing the terrace, melting away only to freeze over again.