Ísis only nodded, unable to answer.

Alex headed into the kitchen, and when he came back carrying a mug, he stopped at the sight before him.

Ísis was fast asleep.

Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing calm, her body curled around her own arm. Duck sat rigidly on the floor beside her like a furry bodyguard, his head resting protectively on her lap without moving.

The image was so unexpectedly tender that Alex felt warmth spread through his chest.

“You two are going to kill me...” he murmur