The sun was barely up.
Soft, pale light filtered through the frosted edges of the window, casting silver streaks across the wooden floor. A thin fog still clung to the outside glass.
Trafalgar opened his eyes slowly.
For a moment, he simply lay there—arms behind his head, gaze on the ceiling, breathing steady.
'That was… good sleep.'
He rolled onto his side, then pushed himself up with a small exhale.
'It's been a long time since I've felt this relaxed.'
He swung his legs off the side of the bed and sat for a second, letting his body wake up fully. Then, without hesitation, he moved to dress—dark training trousers, a fitted tunic, boots laced tight. The clothes were simple, but sturdy.
He tied his hair back into a loose, low tail.
Just as he fastened the last strap on his bracer, a quiet knock came from the door.
He stood and opened it.