A Difference in Power

"Riven…" A soft, anxious voice drifted through the haze of exhaustion clouding his mind. "Hey, wake up - this isn't exactly a great place to take a nap."

"I shall fetch my liege the finest bed at once!" A male voice, full of frantic devotion, declared.

Smack.

"Shut up, you idiot!" The woman's voice snapped, followed by a pained grunt.

Riven's eyes fluttered open, the dim glow of sconces lining the walls slowly coming into focus. Nyx and another shadowed figure loomed over him, their expressions etched with concern.

He sat up immediately.

Careless.

He knew the mana exchange with the dragon egg would drain him, but leaving himself vulnerable like this? Unacceptable. At least he had the system to alert him if real danger approached.

"Shit," Riven muttered, running a hand through his hair as the heavy ache of mana depletion settled deep in his bones.