Golden light hit his face.
Raizen groaned and rolled slightly, dragging his forearm across his eyes like it could block out all of the morning.
His body felt heavy in a different way now - less sharp pain, more deep exhaustion.
He pushed himself up slowly, ribs still complaining.
The smell of food reached him next, and his stomach answered instantly with a hollow ache.
Raizen blinked his eyes open properly and looked toward the table.
Kenzo, Professor Eiden, and Saffi sat there already eating.
Sunlight poured into the room, warm and bright, painting Ukai's wooden walls with a gold shade. For a moment, everything looked peaceful enough to pretend yesterday didn't happen.
Kenzo saw him first.
Then his grin appeared like a weapon.
"Well, look who decided to return from the dead!" Kenzo said, teasing. "Where were you?"
Raizen stared at him with sharp eyes, still half asleep.
Then he pointed a finger weakly. "Don't."
Kenzo's grin widened. "Don't what?"
