Chapter 196: Chapter 196

The digital battle on screen raged on, the flickering light from the TV casting blue and red glows across the room.

Kyle sat hunched forward on the soft carpet, elbows on his knees. Fingers smashing buttons like his life depended on it.

A massive warrior in black armor, just barely dodged a huge hammer swing from the boss monster.

"Come on, come on—" he muttered, jaw tight, sweat forming on his forehead. The controller creaked under his grip.

Anastasia sat on the floor, perfectly upright. Like she was at a formal dinner instead of an all-night gaming session.

Only the fast clicks of her fingers on the controller showed how focused she really was.

Her red eyes gleamed with amusement as her character danced away from the boss’s attacks.

"Too slow," she said softly. A smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Kyle flared his nostrils. "Oh, you’re so dead."

A tired groan came from the couch behind them. Where Eleanora was buried under a blanket.

She had given up hours ago, deciding to be the only sane one in the room.

One sleepy eye peeked open just in time to see Kyle’s character land the final blow.

"Ha! Told you I would beat that boss!" Kyle shouted, throwing his arms into the air. The controller nearly hit Anastasia in the face.

She blinked, unimpressed. "Beginner’s luck."

"Beginner’s—?" Kyle sputtered. "I’ve been playing this game for years!"

"Then you should be better."

Kyle’s mouth dropped open. "That’s it. Rematch. Right now."

From the couch. Eleanora groaned again. "It’s morning, you lunatics."

Both gamers paused, finally tearing their tired eyes away from the screen.

Soft sunlight leaked through the curtains. Lighting up the mess of empty snack bags and half-finished drinks scattered around them.

Kyle glanced up at the fancy clock above the fireplace. "...8 AM?"

Anastasia tilted her head, thinking about it like it was some important war update.

Eleanora sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. Her hair stuck up all over the place. And there was a red pillow mark on her cheek.

"You two actually stayed up all night?"

Kyle stretched, his back cracking in several places.

"Guess we lost track of time." His shirt lifted a little, showing a bit of his toned stomach. Not that Eleanora was looking.

Anastasia stood up without any trouble. Looking just as put together as when the night started. Not a single wrinkle on her clothes.

"It was... entertaining."

Eleanora glanced at both of them like they’d lost their minds. Then her eyes went down to the warm blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

She didn’t remember getting it.

Kyle shrugged. "You looked cold."

"He insisted," Anastasia said, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve. "I told him you’d be fine."

Eleanora felt her cheeks grow warm. "Oh."

Kyle checked the time again and winced. "Crap. Classes start in an hour." He rolled his neck with another loud crack.

"I should head back before Aurelia realizes I never came home."

Eleanora frowned. "Wait... your sister let you stay here?"

Kyle gave a sheepish grin. "Well, I may have bribed her with her favorite spicy braised dragonfish from that place near the east gate."

Anastasia’s eyebrows shot up. "You bribed Aurelia?"

Kyle scratched the back of his neck. "It’s not a bribe if it’s a gift," he muttered, trying to sound innocent.

"Besides, our quarters are just upstairs. It’s not like I went far."

Eleanora shook her head but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

"You’re ridiculous," she said, though her tone was more amused than annoyed.

Kyle stretched. Letting out a satisfied groan as his arms reached overhead.

"Yeah, yeah. I’ll see you in class." He grabbed his jacket from the armchair where he had tossed it last night.

Just as he turned to leave.

Anastasia spoke, her voice calm but sincere. "We should play again sometime."

Kyle paused, surprised. He looked back at her. A grin spreading across his face.

"For sure. That was actually fun." The sunlight coming through the window made his white hair shine like fresh snow.

Eleanora watched him go, then turned to her sister, still looking shocked. "I can’t believe you two bonded over video games."

Anastasia took a slow sip of her cold latte. A faint smile appearing on her lips.

"He’s... not entirely bad."

Kyle tiptoed up the stairs. Carefully turning the doorknob to his quarters.

The living room was quiet. Empty.

He let out a sigh of relief.

Maybe Aurelia was still—

"What were you doing all night?" Find the newest release on novel{f}ire.net

Kyle nearly jumped out of his skin.

Aurelia stood in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed.

Sunlight streamed in behind her. A loose strand of her black hair had escaped her braid, curling near her temple.

"Gaming," Kyle blurted out, then immediately cringed at how guilty he sounded.

"All night?" Aurelia’s voice was flat and dry.

Kyle fumbled for a better answer. "We, uh... fell asleep while playing?"

Even he didn’t believe that one.

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Together?"

Kyle’s face turned bright red.

"No! I mean—Not like that—It wasn’t—" His hands waved around helplessly.

The corner of Aurelia’s mouth twitched. "Relax. I was kidding."

Kyle groaned and dragged his hands down his face. "You’re evil."

"But you didn’t have to take Mochi with you," she added, nodding to the floor.

Kyle blinked. "Mochi?"

A soft meow came from near his feet.

The sleek black cat was curling around his legs, golden eyes blinking up at him.

He had completely forgotten she had been in ring form the whole time.

Aurelia sighed, sounding more tired than angry. "Go freshen up. I ordered breakfast."

Kyle’s shoulders dropped in relief. "Thanks, Sis."

The shower felt amazing.

Hot water rolled over his sore shoulders. Washing away the stiffness of the long night.

As an Awakener. He could go without sleep and food when needed. But that didn’t mean he liked it.

The steam filled his lungs. The clean scent of soap helped him wake up.

When he stepped out. The smell of grilled fish and soup filled the apartment.

He got dressed quickly. His uniform jacket felt comfortable and familiar on his shoulders.

Aurelia had set breakfast on the table. Hot rice, grilled mackerel with crispy skin, and a bowl of miso soup with soft tofu cubes.

Kyle’s mouth watered.

"You’re the best," he said, sitting down and picking up his chopsticks.

Aurelia rolled her eyes but smiled a little behind her tea. "Eat fast. You have class soon."

Kyle didn’t waste time.

The fish was perfect, crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside. The rice was fluffy. The soup warm and comforting.

He glanced at the clock.

As he finished the last bite, Kyle sighed. "I should start training again. I was supposed to yesterday, but..."

Aurelia didn’t even look up. "But video games were more important?"

Kyle scratched his head. "Maybe."

She shook her head. The light from the window caught the black in her braid. "Priorities, Kyle."

"Yeah, yeah." He grabbed his bag from the hook near the door and slung it over his shoulder.

"See you in class, Sis."

As Aurelia waved him off.