The next morning arrived faster than Bruce expected.
He blinked awake to the faint warmth of sunlight leaking through the curtains and the soft, rumbling purr of Ash curled against his neck like a living scarf. The tiny dragon cub nuzzled him the second he stirred, wings fluttering in lazy morning stretches.
Bruce rubbed its head gently. "Hungry already, huh?"
Ash chirped in agreement, rubbing its cheek against his jaw.
From the kitchen, Lucy's voice floated down the hallway. "Bruce? Breakfast is ready! And… I have something to tell you!"
He stepped out of his room, Ash clinging to him like a fluffy scarf with an attitude. When he reached the dining area, Lucy greeted him with a proud smile that lifted something deep inside his chest.
She said gently, "Good morning. And… I forgot to tell you last night, I managed to get Lily registered into the Awakening Academy. Her grade school approved the transfer."
Bruce sat up, surprised but pleased. "That's good. Really good."
