[Back to present Time]
Ludwig finished cleaning himself up and slipped into his new set of clothes, the fresh fabric a stark contrast to the grimy events of the previous day. The tailored fit reminded him of Van Dijk's meticulous care, but the gesture only deepened the disconnect he felt. As much as he appreciated the gesture, Ludwig couldn't help but feel like a fraud—dressed in the guise of humanity, hiding what he truly was.
Returning to his shared room, Ludwig noticed Hoyo sprawled out on one of the beds, dead to the world, while Kassandra's soft snoring filled the quiet space. The sound brought an unexpected smile to his lips, and he lingered at the door for a moment, observing them. There was a strange peace in watching them, a serenity that he knew he would never feel again. Hoyo's face was smushed against his pillow, while Kassandra, ever the composed intellectual, had let her guard down entirely in sleep.
