The Abyssal Taint,
Sunlight filtered through the canopy.
Holden "woke up" when Renna kicked his sleeping bag.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead! Lyra said you took the whole watch, which is nice of you but also means you're burning breakfast duty. Emric is already cooking, and there aren't many sausages left. Hurry up before they're all gone!"
He sat up, rubbing his eyes to pretend he was still half-asleep. The Shadow-Weave boots were already hidden under his pack. His jacket, with the ancient map tucked inside, lay beside him.
"Coming," he said.
Breakfast was quick. They finished off the last of the sausages and their field rations. Lyra smiled at him across the fire, still warm from their quiet night together.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked.
"Like a rock."
"I checked on you twice. You were barely breathing."
"Just tired."
She seemed satisfied with that.
