Bitter Defiance

At dawn, Sloane closed her eyes on purpose and pretended to be asleep.

"Wake up, Sloane." Darius pushed her.

Sloane turned over and looked as if she had not slept enough. "Let me sleep a bit more."

Darius laughed. He rarely saw Sloane act cutesy, so he said generously, "Alright. I'll get Briggs to prepare the food. Get up and have breakfast later."

"Okay," Sloane muttered.

She covered