Everyone had a big sleepover at Professor Grisham's place. Even the old professor enjoyed everyone visiting his place as he got to know all of them and even bonded with them.
The quiet of the morning did not last long. Aleck had barely finished drinking the bitter tea Elenea insisted on brewing when the door creaked open. One by one, his companions filtered inside, their voices filling the space with a jumble of concern, relief, and irritation.
"Finally awake," Zann muttered, arms crossed, though his posture eased the moment his eyes landed on Aleck. His usual scowl carried less bite than usual, more a cover for the relief etched across his face.
"Awake and alive, you mean," Beau chimed in dramatically, tossing his hair back as if he were the one who had fought a dragon. "You scared the whole academy out of their boots, Aleck! If you wanted attention, there are easier ways than transforming into a giant golden beast."
