When Merlin woke, the first thing he noticed was the faint sound of something sizzling in the kitchen.
His eyes flickered open, unfocused for a moment as he stared at the ceiling. Soft light filtered through the curtains, casting shifting patterns against the walls. His body ached—not from exhaustion, but from something more insidious. A tension that never truly faded, an awareness that never dulled.
He exhaled, pressing a hand against his face.
'So he's still here.'
Merlin sighed and rolled out of bed, methodically moving through his morning routine. His uniform was neatly pressed, the Star Power Academy emblem stitched cleanly onto the chest of his navy blazer. He adjusted his collar, smoothing out any imperfections before stepping into the common area.
The scent of something… edible? drifted toward him.
