Mistaken Embrace

Throughout the night, the blue-ringed octopus and the peacock silently watched from outside the mobile safehouse, standing beneath a single window. Neither of them made a move.

Morning arrived softly.

Marcella stirred from a deep sleep, still wrapped around something warm and soft. She absently rubbed it twice, enjoying the comfort.

"Kaelen, what time is it?"

Her voice carried the thick haze of so