Morning light filtered through the woven leaves and glass panels of the house, soft and warm instead of intrusive.
I didn't wake up in a panic or to the sound of alarms, screams, or battle notifications screaming at my face.
Just a gentle knock.
It took a second for my mind to catch up.
Another knock followed, polite. Careful.
"Apostle?" Xeisha's voice came from the other side of the door. "Are you awake? Breakfast is already prepared. The rest of your party has woken up."
Right.
Reality.
I opened my eyes slowly.
Warmth.
Too much warmth.
I was trapped.
Zeref's arm was wrapped securely around my waist, his face buried against the crook of my neck, breath slow and annoyingly comfortable.
Kael was pressed close from the other side, one arm slung over me like I was a personal pillow he had zero intention of giving up.
For a brief, selfish moment, I considered pretending to still be asleep and letting the world wait.
Then responsibility kicked me in the ribs.
