Lucien's eyes fluttered open. A dull throb pulsed behind his temples, sharp enough to force him back down into the pillows with a long, shaky exhale.
When his vision finally steadied, he noticed Edmund slumped in the chair beside the bed.
The leopard had fallen asleep with his head propped on his hand, clearly having stayed there the whole night.
Morning light was already spilling across the floor.
"How long was I out?" Lucien murmured.
Edmund stirred, eyes snapping open the moment he heard Lucien's voice. Concern washed over his face as he leaned forward.
"You're awake. Are you alright? Does your head still hurt?"
He reached out instinctively, only for Lucien to tilt away with a suspicious glare.
"You remember the five meters rule, right?"
Edmund blinked, startled for a second before letting out a relieved laugh. "Then you're fine. I guess I worried for nothing."
