Alex woke up with groggy eyes, blinking toward the window.
Dawn was already tearing through the veil of night.
He stood up and walked to the washroom.
In the mirror, his dark purple eyes stared back at him—still red from the night before.
He leaned closer and whispered to himself, voice low but steady:
"I'll save you, Mother… even if it kills me."
He clenched his fists, then slowly released them.
Splash!
Cold water hit his face. He breathed out sharply, steadied himself, and stepped out of the washroom.
Hati was curled on the bed, still asleep. Alex ran a hand through his dishevelled silver-white hair, pushing it back.
Then, he called out sharply, "Hati! Wake up! Breakfast!"
Hati's ears perked instantly. He looked around, wide-eyed, searching for food, only to find none.
He turned to Alex with clear resentment in his gaze, huffing as he crawled out of bed.
Later…
Alex and Hati entered the cafeteria. After finishing their meals, they made their way toward the Arena.
