Wolves of the new dawn

Breakfast and new dreams

*Raylee*

I wake up slowly, the soft light filtering through the sheer curtains, illuminating the room in a warm, golden hue, the fresh breeze bringing in the faint scent of wildflowers. For a moment, I just lie there, savoring the memories of last night… the way Torren held me close, his strong arms wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. I felt safe, cherished, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to dream of a different life.

But as the warmth of sleep begins to dissipate, I realize I’m alone in the bed. The sheets are still warm where he lay, but the other side is cool and untouched. My heart sinks a little at the emptiness of the room. Where could he be?

Just as the thought settles in, I hear a soft creak of the door. My heart leaps in anticipation, and I turn to see Torren stepping through, a grin spreading across his face as he balances a breakfast tray in his hands.

“Good morning, Raylee,” he says, his voice bright and cheerful. The sight of him, hair tousled and eyes sparkling, makes the room feel lighter, somehow more alive.

“Good morning!” I reply, my voice still thick with sleep. I sit up, propping myself against the headboard, my curiosity piqued by the tray.

Torren sets it down on my lap, revealing a modest spread… two eggs, sunny-side up, freshly baked bread with butter and a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables that look vibrant and colorful. I can hardly believe my eyes. “I apologize if it’s a bit sparse,” he says, a hint of sheepishness in his tone. “The pack has to ration a bit so everyone gets enough.”

I can’t help but laugh, a light, airy sound that fills the room. “Sparse?” I echo, astonished. “Torren, this is incredible!” I pick up a fork, the anticipation swirling in my stomach. “I’ve never had real eggs before.”

“Really?” He raises an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and concern crossing his features. “What do you eat in the city?”

I pause, my fork hovering over the food. “Most of it is lab-grown,” I explain, my voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “It’s… functional, I suppose. It keeps you alive, but it hardly tastes like anything. This… this is so fresh!” I take a bite, and as the flavors burst in my mouth, I can’t help but close my eyes in bliss. “It’s amazing!”

Torren watches me, his smile widening as I devour the food. “You should try some of the dishes out in the Free World,” he suggests, his voice brimming with excitement. “We have flavors you can’t even begin to imagine. Spices and herbs that dance on your tongue. You’d love it.”

I can feel the dreams swelling within me again, the prospect of tasting the world outside the World I thought existed igniting a fire in my heart. “I hope I will,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I think of the adventures we could have. “I’ve spent so long confined in the city…I want to see it all.”

Torren leans closer, his gaze steady and intense. “Then we will. I promise you that,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “Together, we’ll explore every corner of the world. You’ll see things that will take your breath away, and I want to be there with you when you do.”

His words wrap around me like a warm blanket, and I can’t help but smile, a sense of hope blossoming in my chest. “I can’t wait,” I say, my heart aching in a good way with the thought that out kid will be free.

As we eat, the room fills with laughter and shared stories. I find myself opening up to Torren, sharing fragments of my life, the dreams I’ve tucked away for so long. With each bite of food, I feel lighter, freer, as if I’m shedding the weight of my past.

When we finish, I lean back against the pillows, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. “Thank you for this,” I say, meeting his gaze. “It’s the best breakfast I’ve ever had.”

Torren chuckles softly, a hint of pride in his eyes. “I’m glad you liked it. There’s more where that came from, I assure you.”

We share a moment of comfortable silence, the kind that feels charged with possibility. I can feel the world shifting around us, the weight of the future pressing in a way that feels exciting instead of daunting.

“Torren,” I say softly, my heart pounding as I contemplate the words lingering on my tongue. “I want to learn everything from you. About flying, about the world, about us… being mates and such.”

His expression turns serious, and I see the protective glimmer in his eyes. “We’ll start with one step at a time,” he replies, his voice steady. “And I’ll be right here with you every step of the way.”

In that moment, I know we have a chance to create something beautiful together, and I welcome it when he leans in to kiss me softly.