Noel's eyes opened to darkness.
The first light of dawn had yet to break over the mountains. The room was silent and still, but sleep had already fled from him. There was something he needed to do before setting foot on Frostspire Peak.
He sat up without hesitation, pulling on the layers of dark clothing he had laid out the night before. Thick boots rose to his knees; his cloak and hood were drawn tight to block the cold. Only a few strands of blond hair fell across his brow, and his emerald eyes gleamed beneath the shadow of the hood.
Across the room, Noir sat waiting, black and violet fur blending into the darkness. Her gaze was steady, patient.
Noel adjusted the last buckle on his belt and glanced her way.
"Are you ready, Noir? We might not even make it to Frostspire Peak before they kill us."
"Wof."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Noel's mouth.
"Yeah, it is crazy… but I can't just sit still and do nothing, right?"
"Wof."
