The morning sun streamed through the bedroom window, casting warm golden hues across the room. Louis groaned as the alarm clock buzzed incessantly at his bedside. He slammed his hand over it, silencing the noise before rolling over and staring at the ceiling.
For the first time in what felt like weeks, he had actually gotten some sleep. No visions. No voices. No battles in shadowy realms or trials in glowing chambers. Just… sleep.
It felt strange.
Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the last remnants of grogginess. Outside his door, he could hear the sounds of morning—his grandmother mother moving around in the kitchen, the distant chatter of a radio playing a morning sermon, and the occasional bark from the neighbor's overenthusiastic dog.
For a brief moment, everything felt normal.
But Louis knew better.
