Alaric awoke to the soft light filtering through his curtains, the Sunday sun casting gentle rays across his room. He stretched, feeling the warmth of the morning seep into his muscles, a stark contrast to the cool, calculated tension of the previous days. Today was supposed to be a day of relaxation, a chance to unwind with friends and enjoy a rare respite from the constant scrutiny that seemed to surround him.
After a quick breakfast with his adoptive family, Alaric made his way to his room to get dressed. He opted for casual attire—jeans and a comfortable shirt—feeling a sense of normalcy in the simple act of preparing for a day out. He had just finished tying his shoes when his phone rang. The ringtone pulled him out of his thoughts, and he glanced at the screen. It was Evelyn.
"Hey, Evelyn," he answered, trying to keep his tone light despite the lingering unease he felt.
