The next morning, Zen woke up to the smell of roasted meats and imported coffee.
He sat up, blinking against the bright sunlight that streamed through the penthouse windows. Nyx sat nearby in a plush chair, completely ignoring the data pad hovering next to her. She was simply watching him breathe.
"Good morning," she said. She sounded genuinely happy.
"Morning," Zen groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Did you sleep at all?"
"I haven't slept in three centuries," Nyx replied casually. "My cybernetics require a brief recharge cycle, not unconsciousness. Besides, I preferred watching you. I ordered breakfast."
A small, silent drone hovered over, carrying a silver tray loaded with perfectly optimized, high-protein food.
"Eat," Nyx commanded softly. "Your newly stabilized core requires caloric density. And then, get dressed. We are going out."
Zen paused, a piece of warm bread halfway to his mouth. "Out? You mean, into the city?"
"Yes." Nyx stood up.
