Back To The Village

The following morning, Lara woke up earlier than usual. She had no desire for prying eyes to watch her exercise, and today she planned to return to the village to retrieve a few items from their house at Mount Roca.

At dawn, the rest of the household was still asleep—Reya even lay snoring softly beside her.

Quietly, Lara slipped into her black pants and a loose, hooded jacket before beginning her routine. She started with her usual yoga stretches—sun salutations, then moved on to sit-ups and push-ups.

Alaric, too, had risen early. Determined to face the rising sun during his meditation, he stepped toward the east-facing window.

When he slid it open, he was unexpectedly greeted by the sight of Kane performing sun salutations. Kane's movements were fluid and graceful, like a carefully choreographed dance.

Mesmerized, Alaric left the window only slightly ajar so he could watch the outline of Kane's form in the dim light of dawn.