Aegis woke before dawn.
Her heart hammered against her ribs like it was trying to break free. She lay there staring at the ceiling, watching shadows shift as the first hints of light crept through the curtains.
Today.
The Winter Trials.
Everything she'd worked for came down to this.
She sat up slowly, trying not to wake Lune. The attempt failed immediately—Lune was already awake, sitting at her easel with a paintbrush in hand.
"You're up early," Aegis said.
"So are you."
"Couldn't sleep."
"I noticed. You kept tossing around all night."
Aegis swung her legs out of bed and stood. Her muscles ached with tension, every nerve wound tight. She rolled her shoulders, stretched her arms, tried to shake the nervous energy loose.
Lune set down her brush and turned around.
"Come here."
"What?"
"You look like you need to recharge your battery."
