Sunlight filtered through the high window, catching on threads of dust and swaying herbs. Lira stirred slowly, the weight of sleep tangled with warmth on her chest.
A soft purr vibrated under her chin.
She opened her eyes.
Fluffy blinked up at her, nestled in the crook of her arm, tail twitching. His fur glowed faintly where a sunbeam touched it, and his tongue stuck out just a little, still mid-sleep.
For a moment, Lira simply lay still. The bracelet on her wrist rested cool and quiet now, its shimmer hidden beneath the folds of her sleeve. The memory of the ruins, the voice in the chamber, and the eyes of the drake were still fresh—but so was the gentle comfort of her small room, the rustle of trees beyond the tower walls, and the distant sound of bells marking the first hour.
She sat up slowly, Fluffy climbing into her lap without protest. He stretched dramatically, then flopped onto his side, watching her with sleepy eyes.
