— ZORYN —
I wake to the sound of distant bells.
They're low and resonant, carried on the morning air like a reminder rather than an alarm. The festival grounds are quieter than they've been all week; the chaos has finally calmed into smaller waves since it's the last day. We've all had a lot of fun, and everyone is ready to return home.
Ren is asleep beside me, one arm draped heavy over my waist, his breath warm against the back of my neck. We were both exhausted after last night, so he asked if he could stay with me. He fell asleep as soon as I pulled the blanket over his shoulders.
For a moment, I let myself stay still, pretend that the world isn't waiting for us to get out of bed and prepare all of our things.
But it is.
I shift carefully, and he stirs almost immediately.
"Good morning, Champion," he murmurs, voice rough with sleep.
I snort softly. "Is that going to be my nickname now?"
