Ka'z's eyes slowly fluttered open and a long yawn escaped his mouth. For several moments, he simply stared blankly at the uneven stone ceiling above him while his mind struggled to shake off the lingering haze. Instinctively, his right hand reached across his body until his claws brushed against the cold steel of Shiki resting beside him. Only after wrapping his fingers tightly around the staff did the tension in his chest ease. Satisfied that no one had taken it away while he slept, he loosened his grip.
His vision remained blurry for a few more breaths before gradually sharpening. The familiar outlines of the underground chamber slowly emerged from the darkness. The rough stone walls glowed faintly beneath several dim mana lamps while the scent of medicinal herbs lingered heavily in the air. His gaze eventually drifted toward the figure sleeping quietly beside his haystack bed.
Za'r.
