Higher Stakes

You" really don't get tired of this, huh?" Lux muttered, watching as Gizmo tried to catch the sparks like a cat chasing a laser.

Gizmo squeaked in response, hopping onto Lux's shoulder and playfully tugging at his ear.

"Alright, alright," Lux chuckled, gently prying the tiny paws away. "You win, little guy. But I swear, one day you're gonna shock yourself so bad you'll regret it."

Gizmo blinked at him before curling into a ball on Lux's shoulder, content and purring softly.

Lux leaned back, staring at the ceiling. It was a rare quiet moment, but he knew it wouldn't last. Something was always coming.

Lux exhaled slowly, letting his fingers trail along Gizmo's fur. The little creature was warm, its steady purring oddly comforting. Moments like this—just silence, no chaos, no fighting—felt almost foreign now. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the peace.

Then, a sound.

A faint shuffle outside his door.