Spies in the Shadows

Madison woke up feeling like she'd been trampled by a herd of wild boars. Her muscles screamed in protest as she rolled over, trying to find a comfortable position. Wald was already up, his side of the bed cold. She could hear him moving around the room, probably getting ready for another grueling day of training.

She groaned and buried her face in the pillow. The dream from last night still burned in her mind - the battlefield, the army of Alphas, and that blinding light that had driven back even the terrifying Karnath-Gor. It felt so real, so vivid. But dreams were just dreams, right?

"Get up, sleepyhead," Wald's voice cut through her thoughts. "We've got work to do."

Madison cracked open an eye. Wald stood by the bed, already dressed in his training gear - a simple leather vest and breeches. His silver hair was tied back, and his pale eyes glinted with determination.

"Five more minutes," she mumbled, pulling the covers over her head.