The alcohol weighs heavy in my blood.
Lion and I lie sprawled on opposite ends of the couch, the room spinning faintly, thick with the bitter stench of liquor and cigar smoke. My eyelids flutter open slowly, vision blurred, head throbbing. I turn my face—and find Lion asleep beside me.
His cheeks are flushed red, lashes resting softly against his skin. His posture is a mess, nothing like the disciplined guard he usually is. Drunk, unguarded… human.
I swallow and try to focus on him.
"Lion…" My voice comes out rough, unfocused.
No response.
I reach out and shake his head lightly. "Lion… Lion."
He jolts awake instantly, body snapping upright on instinct. His eyes are half-closed, unfocused, yet his posture straightens automatically.
"Yes, boss," he says, voice thick with sleep and alcohol. "What's your order?"
I squint at him, my own vision swaying. "Go. I want to sleep."
He raises his hand clumsily in salute. "Yes, sir. As you wish."
