***
{Inside The Projection}
The morning light was thin, leaking in through the carved lattice windows in pale ribbons. It touched the edges of the bed, catching on the folds of white sheets and the faint outline of two people who could not have been further apart in spirit.
"…Good morning."
Malik's voice sounded as though it had traveled a long way before reaching her.
He sat against the headboard, half-naked, the ouroboros circling his heart no longer there.
Layla stirred beside him, her breathing uneven as she blinked against the light, the sound of his voice seemingly catching her off guard.
Her head slowly turned, and when their gazes met, her shoulders tensed up.
"Ah—"
She gave a small nod, one that was a bit too mechanical.
"G–Good morning."
Though sounding surprised, her tone carried the same careful neutrality that didn't belong between husband and wife.
