Alaric awoke to the gentle light of dawn filtering through his bedroom window. The familiar sounds of the household waking up—his mother bustling in the kitchen, Lucy's cheerful chatter—brought a sense of normalcy that was both comforting and grounding. Despite the strange events of the previous day, today felt like any other day, a day to live like a normal person.
He stretched, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and got ready for school. The reflection in the mirror showed a young man with determined eyes and an air of quiet confidence. The memories of Nyxoria and the shadowy figure who had sealed part of his memory were still there, but today he focused on the present. His family needed him, and he was determined to be there for them.
Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeted him. Maria looked up from the stove, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Good morning, Alaric. Did you sleep well?"
