The morning light cut through the velvet curtains of Zaliyah's chambers, illuminating room. the dust motes dancing in the air like tiny, frozen stars.
Zaliyah opened his eyes to a familiar, comforting presence. Harun and Iruna were seated on stools pulled close to the edge of his bed, their heads lolling in the air, they had stood guard at his bedpost for hours as such they couldn't escape the inevitable slumber.
Zaliyah watched them for a moment, a soft warmth blooming in his chest. He reached out a thin, pale hand and gently caressed Iruna's brown hair. She didn't wake up, her breathing was deep.
Zaliyah slowly and silently began to slide the heavy fur blankets away, determined to let them rest. However, as his feet touched the cold stone floor, his balance-still treacherous and uncoordinated-betrayed him.
He stumbled, the world tilting to the left. But before he could hit the floor, a pair of strong arms caught him mid-air.
