After spending the afternoon playing with Lucy, Alaric could finally see the exhaustion creeping into her eyes. The energy she had shown earlier was starting to wane, and he knew it was time for her to rest. He knelt down, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Lucy, it's time to take a break," Alaric said softly.
Lucy pouted, her bright eyes pleading with him for more playtime, but Alaric shook his head with a smile. "Come on, you need to rest if you want to get even stronger. You don't want to make Grandma worry, do you?"
Lucy hesitated for a moment before giving in, nodding her head as she wrapped her arms around Alaric for one last hug. "Okay, but you'll play with me again tomorrow, right?" she asked, her voice small but hopeful.
"Of course," Alaric replied, ruffling her hair gently. "Now go rest. I'll be right here if you need me."
