Aleck stirred to the sound of quiet breathing. For a moment, he thought he was still trapped in the dream again—the one where fire licked his skin and scales replaced his flesh. His eyes snapped open, heart hammering.
But instead of fire, he saw the dim glow of lantern light. The soft creak of wood told him he was in their shared home, tucked under a blanket that smelled faintly of herbs.
His body felt leaden, every muscle screaming in exhaustion, his right arm throbbing like it had been torn apart and stitched back together.
And beside him—Aranea.
His sister lived in Hesreth Street with Elenea, Leonel, and Beau. However, since she worried about her twin brother Aleck, she decided to keep watch here.
She was slumped forward on the edge of his bed, her cheek resting on his blanket, hair mussed and face blotchy from crying. Even in sleep, her hand clung to his, refusing to let go.
