A Moment of Calm
The morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across Elena's room. For the first time in what felt like forever, she woke to peace. No nightmares, no lurking danger, just the soft sounds of birds chirping outside the window.
Elena stretched lazily, her muscles sore but relaxed. The events of the previous night felt distant, like a bad dream that had finally faded away. She sat up in bed, blinking sleepily as the realization hit her—there was no immediate threat hanging over her head.
She had a day to breathe.
As if on cue, there was a knock at her door. She smiled faintly, already knowing who it was. "Come in."