Kael stirred awake on the lounge sofa, his hair sticking out in every possible direction. Rubbing his eyes, he groaned softly and blinked at the sight of Aeliana and Lucian standing nearby.
Aeliana let out a soft laugh, her voice light and melodic. "Oh, Kael, your hair looks like a bird tried to nest in it."
Kael ran a hand through his unruly locks, grumbling, "I've been keeping watch all night. Well, excuse me if I'm not perfectly in tip-top shape."
Lucian, catching Aeliana's laughter, couldn't help but chuckle too. The sound startled both Kael and Aeliana; it was rare to hear Lucian laugh so openly. "What's so funny?" Kael asked, still half-asleep.
Lucian crossed his arms, a grin tugging at his lips. "Nothing much, Kael. Just your stellar morning appearance."
Kael frowned and muttered, "Some gratitude would be nice. I didn't sleep to protect you both."
