Morning light crept through the cracked windows of the manor like a thief, soft and hesitant. Inside, chaos was already brewing.
"I will NOT take a bath!"
Toby's voice echoed through the hallway, high-pitched and defiant. His small feet slapped against the cold stone floor as he ran, his thin frame moving with surprising speed for a kid who'd been sick just days ago.
"Toby, stop right there!" Mira's voice chased after him, breathless and exasperated. She rounded the corner, her dark hair messy from sleep, her new handmade dress—the one with strategically placed holes she'd made for Viktor—thankfully covered by an outer robe. Her bare feet padded quickly as she tried to catch up to her son.
The little boy's face was flushed, his eyes bright with mischief. "Rawr! Dragon Toby doesn't bathe!"
In the sitting room, Kaida sat slumped on the couch, her red hair falling messily around her half-scarred face.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes—evidence of a sleepless night.
