The morning sun filtered through the crystalline windows of Noah's guest quarters, casting rainbow patterns across the polished floor. He woke slowly, his arm draped around Sophie's waist as she slept peacefully beside him. They'd spent the night talking about simpler things. Childhood memories, academy stories, the kind of conversation that reminded them why they'd become friends shortly before they'd become anything else.
"Morning," Sophie murmured against his shoulder, her voice thick with sleep.
"Morning," Noah replied, pulling her closer. Their peaceful moment was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door, followed by Lucy's voice carrying through the reinforced wood.
"Meeting in one of the standby ship's war room in thirty minutes. Palace guards would direct you when you are ready," she called out, her tone suggesting this wasn't optional. "We've received communication that requires immediate attention."
