[Veltharr — The Broken Rock — Next morning — 8:45 AM]
The door to Alex's room was unlocked.
Kira noticed it before opening it.
Her ears rotated inward — detecting breathing, movement, presence.
"There are three people inside," she said quietly.
"Four," said Alex.
Kira looked at him.
"Four."
Alex opened the door.
---
Maya was asleep on the nightstand.
Not on the bed.
On the nightstand — her head resting on an unfolded map, the pen still in her hand, the notes reaching to the edge of the paper where clearly sleep had caught her before she finished the analysis.
Akari beneath her cheek.
All nine tails extended, serving as a pillow with dignity.
In the bed.
Alex's bed.
Raven and Emily.
Raven on the outer edge, her arm around Emily.
Emily completely curled against her with the peaceful expression of someone who sleeps protected.
Like sisters.
Alex saw it and smiled without meaning to.
---
Kira was looking at the whole scene with her ears slightly tilted.
