Morning arrived with the particular clarity that followed genuine crisis, Clara waking in Alaric's arms to find Leo already stirring in the adjoining chamber, seemingly none the worse for his terrifying ordeal beyond a lingering wariness that broke her heart to witness.
She had checked on him twice during the night, unable to fully settle despite Alaric's steady presence beside her, needing the reassurance of her son's steady breathing to quiet the lingering fear still coiled tight in her chest. By morning, Leo had regained enough of his usual resilience to request breakfast with his customary enthusiasm, though he stayed closer to Clara's side than usual throughout the meal.
"We must address what happened last night formally," Alaric said over a quiet breakfast, his expression carrying
