Edward woke to a sudden jolt.
The mattress shifted beneath him, and for a heartbeat, he thought he was dreaming. His eyes fluttered open only to meet a pair of dark, watchful eyes staring back at him. Long strands of black hair framed the face of the girl lying beside him, her lips curved into a smile as though she had been waiting for this moment.
"Morning," Seraphine said softly.
"W–what?!" Edward flinched backwards, tumbling off the side of the bed with a dull thud against the floor. He scrambled up on one elbow, staring at her in disbelief. "What are you… What are you doing here?"
He froze as his gaze slid to the figure at the edge of the bed—his own summon, the shadowy form of the Shadow Striker, standing silent and still like a guard. Its empty eyes observing the whole thing.
"You!" Edward jabbed an accusing finger. "You were supposed to keep an eye on her! And you—" his finger shifted to Seraphine, who now sat up, swinging her legs idly. "What are you doing in my room?"
