Back in the modest inn on the outskirts of Silver Blade City, the light of early dawn filtered lazily through the window, casting golden streaks across the wooden floorboards.
The room was quiet, save for the slow breathing of Nolan as he lay sprawled on the bed, one hand under his head, the other twitching slightly as if grasping for a memory in his dreams.
Without warning, a weight suddenly settled on his chest.
"Wake up."
Nolan groaned, opening one eye halfway to see Lirazel's face hovering inches above his. Her violet hair cascaded around his shoulders like silk, and her crimson eyes gleamed with urgency.
A moment later, she was shaking him by the shoulders.
"Wake up! It's time to start creating the army."
Nolan blinked, groggy and thoroughly unamused. "What the hell are you talking about?"
