Sunlight spilled over the clearing, glittering off the river like scattered jewels. The camp was finally stirring—a few muffled yawns, someone rummaging through packs, and Beau already singing off-key.
"Rise and shine, sleepy legends!" Beau announced, far too loud for anyone's liking. "New day, new Behemoth!"
Zann groaned from his tent. "I vote we Behemoth you first."
Aranea laughed softly as she tied her hair. "Beau, it's barely sunrise."
"Exactly!" he said, flipping a pan onto the fire. "The early bird gets breakfast and possibly mauled by giant monsters."
Leonel sat cross-legged nearby, brushing dust off his weapon. "I can't tell if you're brave or suicidal."
"Both," Beau said proudly. "Keeps life interesting."
From across the camp, Darenn emerged, hair damp and slightly tousled—a rare, unguarded sight. The others noticed immediately.
"Professor?" Aranea blinked. "You're… uh… wet."
Beau raised a brow. "Did someone go swimming without us?"
Darenn froze. "…I tripped."
