Lara was dragged out of sleep by a voice bursting with energy.
"Mommy, wake up! You promised to teach me swordplay today!"
Small hands grabbed her shoulders and shook—once, twice, with surprising determination.
Lara's eyes snapped open.
For a split second, instinct took over—sharp, alert, ready.
Then the ceiling came into focus.
It was already well past the hour she usually woke.
Morning had fully settled in—the sun high and unapologetically bright, spilling through the room like it had been waiting for her to catch up.
She pushed herself up, a faint crease forming between her brows as she adjusted to the light—and to the tiny whirlwind standing in front of her.
Shay.
Already dressed. Already ready.
Lara blinked, the corners of her lips twitching despite herself.
Shay stood proudly at the bedside in her "warrior princess" attire, chin slightly lifted like she was reporting for duty.
