The morning light in the Northern Territory still arrives late. Snow accumulates silently outside the window, and the light filters through heavy curtains, giving off a faint whiteness.
Louis Calvin was already awake.
He turned to look. On his left, Emily was curled up in the bedding, her blue hair scattered on the pillow, her lips bearing a faint smile.
On his right, Sif was asleep holding his arm, her silver-white hair having been cut short again, spread across her neck, her eyebrows lightly furrowed, seemingly dreaming.
Louis looked at them, his expression unconsciously softening.
In the room, only the sound of their breathing and the gentle crackling of the fireplace could be heard, warm enough to make one reluctant to disturb.
Louis gently got up, donned his robe, avoiding waking them.
Candle flames burned beside the fireplace, the air filled with a faint scent of pine resin.
