Alaric's eyes opened slowly, though still heavy with sleep.
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, pale and soft.
The kind of light that came with early dawn.
He blinked. Once. Twice. Vision clearing gradually.
Grogginess clung to him like a thick blanket. His limbs felt weighted. Reluctant to move.
"Ugh."
A low sound escaped his throat as he pushed himself upright. The sheets fell away from his bare torso. Cool air hit his skin immediately.
He sat there for a moment. Just breathing. Letting awareness seep back in.
Then swung his legs over the side of the bed.
He stood and stretched his arms overhead until his spine cracked as he arched backward.
"Mmm..."
Relief washed through the tension spots.
He moved towards the washbasin and splashed cold water on his face. The shock of it drove away the last cobwebs of sleep.
Droplets ran down his jaw.
Dripped back into the basin.
He grabbed a cloth and dried his face with rough movements.
