Alex woke to sunlight filtering through the ocean-view window.
For a moment, he forgot where he was. The Fragments, the Temple, the bounty hunters—all of it slipped from his mind. It was just morning, quiet and ordinary.
Then Grim stirred on the cushion in the corner. His red eyes flickered to life, and he raised a tiny hand in greeting.
"Good morning, Grim."
Reality returned, but not in a terrible way. Coral Port had given him something he hadn't expected: a place where he could sleep without waking at every sound.
He stretched, feeling a little stiffness in his muscles. A week had passed since they arrived, and they were beginning to settle into a routine. A good one. A healthy one, even.
In the kitchen, Emily was already making tea.
"Morning," she said. "Sleep well?"
"Surprisingly, yes. It's the first time in months I haven't had nightmares."
Emily smiled. "Coral Port suits you."
