It was 4:30 in the morning.
Ryan sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes closed, breathing slow and steady. He'd been awake since two, pulled from his sleep by that vivid nightmare.
He'd tried to go back to sleep, he simply could not.
So he'd given up and started meditating instead.
The room was dark and silent. James and Jared's breathing was the only sound, slow and even.
Ryan tried to focus on his mana, but couldn't fully concentrate.
There was a creak from across the room.
Ryan opened his eyes.
James was sitting up, rubbing his face with both hands. A moment later, Jared shifted, groaning softly as he stretched.
"Morning," James muttered, his voice rough with sleep.
"Morning," Ryan replied quietly.
Jared swung his legs out of bed and stood, moving toward the small basin near the window. He splashed water on his face, the sound sharp in the stillness.
James followed suit, then turned to Ryan. "You've been up a while?"
"Couldn't sleep," Ryan said.
"Nervous about training?"
