The evening settled over the land in hues of deep indigo and warm amber, the air carrying the quiet hum of nocturnal life awakening. I lay in my bed, exhaling a slow, satisfied sigh. The weight of the day pressed against me—not as exhaustion, but as a sense of fulfillment.
"Are you tired, Master?" Lyall's voice broke the silence, his gaze sharp yet gentle as he stood near my bedside.
I turned to look at him, his ever-composed expression waiting patiently for my answer.
"No," I murmured, stretching slightly. "I'm just… satisfied. For now."
A soft hoot sounded beside me as Nox, my loyal owl, ruffled his feathers. He sat perched near my pillow, his electric blue eyes gleaming with quiet affection. I reached out, running my fingers along his downy plumage, feeling the warmth beneath. He leaned into my touch, preening contentedly under my palm.
