"Ugh…" A low groan escaped Nox's lips as consciousness returned. His eyelids felt heavy, but he forced them open. At first, his vision was blurry—he could make out a wooden ceiling and dancing shadows cast by lantern light. The familiar scent of herbal antiseptic and old wood told him he was indoors, likely a room in Vermilion's capital where he had been recovering.
For a moment, everything was quiet. Then he heard a gasp, and a figure leaned over him.
"Nox? Nox!" a voice cried.
As his vision cleared, he saw Serena's face above him, smiling widely. Beside her, Akira was already on her feet, calling out the door, "He's awake! Everyone, Nox is awake!"
Footsteps rushed from outside, and within seconds a crowd burst into the room. Nyx practically pushed past the others. Jack was right behind, grinning ear to ear. Aina, his mother, rushed to his side and knelt, gently placing a hand on his forehead as if checking for a fever.
