The sound of the morning bell echoed through the stone corridors of Malborne Orphanage, pulling Renard from his shallow sleep. He'd barely gotten three hours of rest after his training session, but his body was used to functioning on little sleep.
Around him, the orphanage was already stirring to life. He could hear footsteps in the hallway, the creak of old floorboards, and the distant chatter of children getting ready for the day.
Renard sat up carefully, making sure not to disturb Boa, who was still coiled in a small circle on his pillow. The serpent's breathing was slow and steady – she was deep in sleep after using her abilities the night before.
"Time to wake up," he whispered, gently stroking her scales.
Boa's golden eyes opened immediately. Unlike humans, beasts didn't need time to shake off sleep. She was alert and ready within seconds, lifting her head to look around the room.
