Raizen woke to the sound of leaves and breath.
For a moment, he forgot where he was.
No pipes groaning. No distant clang of metal. No Underworks shouting through thin walls. Just a soft rustle from the balcony curtains, the faint creak of wood, and three other people breathing in the same room.
A bit early.
He did not need a clock to know. His body had learned the time months ago. He turned his head toward the door, looking for the small panel with the display. Just to be sure. Numbers glowed in pale blue.
05:02.
Close enough.
He rolled onto his side and almost jolted straight off the futon.
Saffi lay between him and the low table, half under her blanket and half… Very not.
She was on her back, one arm flung above her head, the other crooked awkwardly against her chest like she had lost a fight with the pillow.
