Lira tried waking Rian gently, leaning over the chair where he'd dozed off.
"Rian," she called, her voice low, almost a whisper.
No response.
His eyelids didn't even twitch, his breathing slow and deep.
Lira frowned, crossing her arms.
"Rian, come on, wake up," she said, louder now, with a hint of impatience.
Charles's eyes snapped open, disoriented.
He blinked rapidly, trying to get his bearings.
Lira's room, filled with the aroma of fresh food, greeted him.
His gaze landed on the table, set with a steaming plate of pasta with meat and a slice of chocolate cake.
His stomach growled instantly, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Man, that smells amazing," he said, rubbing his eyes. "Not bad, Lira."
Lira rolled her eyes, but a small smile slipped through.
"Just eat," she said, gesturing to the table. "I don't want you passing out in the arena because you skipped meals."
Charles dragged himself from the chair lazily, stretching his arms with a yawn.
