Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer silk curtains of the Supreme Chief's private residence in Azareen.
Golden patterns stretched across the polished cedar floorboards as Sagiri opened his eyes, feeling a lingering exhaustion in his limbs.
An overwhelming tiredness had settled deep into his marrow, a quiet consequence of the five primordial relics burning steadily through his cellular energy.
The constant spiritual friction of the Golden Spear, Beast Horn, Hammer, Mask, and Nokai demanded hours of deep slumber to replenish his mortal stamina.
As his vision cleared, Sagiri gasped softly and jerked backward against his pillows in sudden shock.
Leaning directly over his face was Healer Lira, her misty grey eyes staring down from mere inches away with intense, unblinking curiosity.
"Lira!" Sagiri breathed out, holding his hand against his racing heart as he pulled the linen blanket up to his chest.
"You startled me."
