The next morning sunlight bled through the blinds, warm against his face. He dragged himself up, showered quick, and threw on something casual. Lilia and Lyra were already waiting, both oddly cheerful considering the late night. They walked together to Seraphina's restaurant, the familiar scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filling the air the second they stepped in.
Seraphina greeted them with that easy smile of hers, hands on her hips. "You three look alive, somehow. Thought you'd be passed out until noon."
Breakfast was loud, warm, and messy. Lilia had her usual endless appetite, Lyra picked at things more carefully, and Xavier sat back, sipping coffee, listening to their chatter. For a moment, it almost felt normal.
After they finished, Xavier checked the time and sighed. The academy loomed over his schedule, but his body was still sore and the bruises ached when he moved. He pulled out his comm and called in, voice flat.
