Morning arrived sooner than they realised.
Sunlight slowly flooded into the old library through the large windows facing east. Golden rays swept across the tall bookshelves, the aged wooden tables, and the stone floor that had been their companion for the past few days.
The ancient city remained quiet.
Still peaceful.
Yet, somehow…
This morning felt just a little different.
The creature beside Aurelia moved gently.
Its lines of light pulsed steadily, resonating with a core filled with calm.
The units positioned behind continued to maintain the network.
Aurelia opened her eyes slowly.
And, just as always…
The first thing she saw was Eiden.
But this time, he wasn't watching her.
He was reading something.
Deeply focused.
Entirely serious.
So much so that he hadn't even noticed she was awake.
That in itself was rare.
Because usually…
The moment Aurelia moved even slightly, Eiden's attention would shift straight to her.
Aurelia sat up slowly.
"What are you reading?"
