Morning came, gray and damp, the air heavy with the lingering scent of rain and wet earth. The storm had passed, leaving behind a glistening, renewed world.
Mia was still unconscious, a small, furry lump on Emily's chest. Merwyn was already awake, sitting cross-legged on his sleeping bag, humming a soft, discordant tune and examining a small, iridescent beetle he held in the palm of his hand. Adrien was awake as well, quietly packing away their supplies, his movements fluid and efficient. And Kieran...well, Kieran was Kieran. He was already standing guard at the entrance to the tent, his sword in his hand, a silent, imposing figure against the backdrop of the rain-soaked forest.
Emily sat up, stretching her stiff muscles, the unconscious kitten still nestled in her arms. "Good morning," she said, her voice a little hoarse.
Adrien looked up, a small, warm smile on his lips. "Good morning, Emily. Did you sleep well?"
