Arthur sank deeper into the steaming water, letting the heat soak into every bruised muscle. The private bath in the senior dorms was one of the few perks that still felt worth the blood he'd spilled to earn it: a deep marble tub, enchanted runes keeping the temperature perfect, faint lavender oil drifting from the surface. For the first time in days, the ache in his shoulders dulled to a distant throb.
He closed his eyes.
Just five minutes. No demons. No empty desks. No guilt.
The water lapped gently at his chest.
Then—
Ding.
A crystalline chime rang inside his skull, sharp enough to jolt him upright. Water sloshed over the edge.
[System Upgrade Complete. Welcome back, Host.]
His eyes snapped open.
Finally.
"Sol," he breathed, voice echoing off the tiled walls.
Silence.
"Sol, come on. Don't mess with me."
Nothing. Not even the usual sarcastic lilt that lived rent-free in his head.
He frowned, water dripping from his lashes. "Sol, why aren't you replying?"
