Alexander woke up with a start. His small stomach grumbled loudly, but the room was dark, and shadows crawled over the walls. Fear gripped him as he remembered the man with the tiger mask who had taken his Papa. The memory felt so real that his heart raced and tears filled his eyes. A small scream escaped his lips before he could stop it.
Beside him, Nox immediately woke up. His instincts were sharp, and the sound of his son’s fear made his heart pound. He quickly turned to Alexander and pulled him close.
“Alexander, it’s me. Your dad,” Nox said softly, his voice steady and warm.
Alexander looked up through his tears and then clung tightly to his father’s shirt.
“D-Daddy!” he sobbed.
“Sshh, it’s alright. I’m here,” Nox murmured, pressing his forehead to his son’s. “You’re a brave boy.
