Morning came the next day with soft sunlight slipping through the kitchen windows. Ryan stood by the counter making coffee, his movements slow from the short night. The smell of toast filled the air. Lila moved around the table packing her school bag, checking her books one more time. She wore her usual jeans and hoodie, hair tied back neat.
Ryan glanced at the stairs. “Jax hasn’t come down yet. That’s not like him.”
Lila nodded. “Maybe the roar kept him up too. I’ll check.”
They went upstairs together. Ryan knocked lightly on Jax’s door. No answer. Lila pushed it open a crack. Jax lay still under the covers, breathing deep. He looked worn out, face pale against the pillow.
“He’s still sleeping,” Lila whispered.
Ryan checked his watch. “I need to head to the guild now. See what they k
