The sound of a bell echoing through the stone corridors woke Renard from his light sleep. The crystal lights in the ceiling brightened automatically, shifting from the dim glow they maintained during night hours to full daylight intensity.
Renard sat up on his narrow bed, instantly alert.
Around him, he could hear other students stirring in their rooms. Footsteps moved through the corridors, doors opened and closed, and quiet conversations drifted through the stone walls. The monastery was coming to life for another day.
Inside his shirt, Boa lifted her small head and looked at him with bright golden eyes. She'd remained perfectly still throughout the night, understanding somehow that stealth was essential to their mission.
"Morning, little one," Renard whispered softly. "Ready to start exploring?"
Boa flicked her tongue out and made a barely audible hissing sound that he took as agreement.
