The morning breeze carried the scent of herbs and dew, but Kael couldn't focus on any of it. His body felt... off. Not in pain—if anything, the opposite. He was lighter, sharper, like the fatigue that had weighed down his limbs for days had vanished overnight.
He flexed his fingers, feeling the strength in them. Subtle. Precise. As if his body had undergone a quiet upgrade while he lay unconscious.
He rose from the bed, barefoot against the wooden floor, and moved to the center of the room. A heavy stool stood nearby, carved from dark timber and solid enough to break bones if thrown. Without thinking, Kael lifted it—then paused. It felt too light. Lifting it had required no effort at all.
He set it down slowly, frowning.
Was it adrenaline? Leftover surge from whatever that burn had triggered in him? Or...
His thoughts trailed off as he stepped toward the window, just as a soft knock interrupted him.
