Klaus sat at the breakfast table, the air around him buzzing with quiet energy. Elisabeth and Alexandra chatted lightly about Alexandra's recent missions, but Klaus's focus was elsewhere. Dudu sat coiled at his feet, his obsidian scales catching the morning light. Though the little dragon appeared calm, his presence remained heavy, like a smoldering ember that threatened to ignite.
Across from him, Alexandra's eyes flickered to Dudu every so often, her usually confident demeanor subdued. The breakfast felt unusually formal, and Klaus couldn't help but wonder if it was the dragon's influence or something else entirely.
"Eat," Elisabeth encouraged, sliding a plate of fresh bread and fruit closer to him. Her gentle smile betrayed a trace of concern.
"I'm fine, Mother," Klaus replied, taking a bite of bread more to appease her than out of hunger. His mind was still clouded by the remnants of his nightmares and the weight of Dudu's presence.
