After three days of intensive rest and preparation, a sudden knock on the door stirred Wallace from his sleep. He blinked his eyes open, adjusting to the morning light filtering through the curtains.
The door creaked open, and Butler Mendez stepped inside, flanked by two imposing shadow wolves and with a small bird perched on his shoulder that looked remarkably like a phoenix chick.
The sight was striking, the contrast of the dark wolves against the vibrant, fiery bird creating an almost surreal image.
Wallace sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Is it time?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.
Butler Mendez nodded, his usual stoic expression softened by a hint of excitement. "Yes, it is."
Wallace swung his legs over the side of the bed, his mind quickly sharpening. Myarsten, his loyal companion, emerged from the shadows and snuggled against Wallace's face, purring softly. Wallace smiled, gently caressing the creature before standing up.
