Keep your weapons on you

The next day, Viktor stirred, opening his eyes with a numb feeling on his nape.

With drowsy eyes, he rubbed the area until a vague memory flashed through his mind, snapping him fully awake.

"Ha! Why did I fall asleep?" Viktor shouted, regret clear in his voice—he had missed Cyra feeding on him.

The noise woke Pain. It blinked drowsily at the bed, wondering what had gotten into its master at this hour.

Viktor groaned, covering his face before his hand moved to his neck, and a small, relieved smile crept onto his lips.

He had worried she wouldn't feed from him after being displeased with the special room he’d prepared.

Shaking off his thoughts, Viktor drew in the salty air and got out of bed to start his day.

He stretched, then jumped into his usual morning workout. Minutes in, sweat streamed down his body, and he held a difficult pose, muscles burning and limbs starting to numb.