The morning crept in softly through the thin curtains, pale light stretching across the apartment walls. The faint hum of the city outside filtered in alongside the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Simon was already awake, settled into the silence like he always did, broad shoulders relaxed as he leaned against the counter in the kitchen. His mask was still on, though the rest of him looked casual—black shirt tugged over his frame, sweats hanging loose on his hips, mug steaming in his hand.

You stirred awake slowly, stretching against the sheets before slipping out of bed. The air was a little cool on your skin, goosebumps rising until you slid your slippers on. Behind you, nails tapped lightly on the hardwood—Riley, your ever-loyal German shepherd, padding close as if to usher you into the day. You reached down absently to scratch behind his ear before stifling a yawn, the sound blending with the shuffle of your feet as you made your way down the hall.

The kitchen came into view, Simon’s tall frame silhouetted against the light above the stove. He looked up the moment you entered, eyes softening under the mask, his voice cutting the stillness.

“Mornin’, love.”

You smiled faintly, the corners of your mouth tugging upward as you opened your mouth to answer. But before a word left your lips, Riley’s body moved in front of you. The shepherd trotted ahead, tail stiff, and stopped square in your path. He sat firmly, head high, eyes focused, as though he were guarding something—or someone.

Your steps faltered, confusion flickering across your face. “Riley?” you murmured.

Simon raised a brow, setting his mug down with a quiet clink. “What’s this about then?” His tone was gruff, but there was curiosity beneath it. He stepped toward you, intent on brushing past the dog, but Riley barked—sharp, deliberate, stopping him cold.

“The hell?” Simon muttered, a frown tugging beneath the mask.

You tried to step around Riley, but the shepherd shifted, blocking you again. His gaze flicked between the two of you, alert and unwavering. Your hand hovered, hesitant, before gently brushing his fur. He wasn’t aggressive—just insistent, protective in a way you’d never quite seen before.

Simon’s arms crossed over his chest as he stared at the animal. “Bloody dog’s actin’ like I’m about to do you harm.” His tone was half amused, half frustrated, but there was tension threading through it.

You gave a nervous laugh, though your stomach twisted with something you couldn’t name. “He’s never… done this before.”

Riley gave another short bark, this one lower, almost pointed. His body leaned slightly toward you, his head nudging your stomach gently before returning to his post between you and Simon.

Simon caught the movement, and though his expression was hidden, you knew him well enough to sense the sharpness in his gaze. His head tilted, eyes narrowing. “What’s gotten into him?”

You swallowed, your hand absentmindedly brushing over your midsection as if drawn there. There was no reason—at least none you could see—for Riley’s behavior to change so suddenly. He had always been protective, yes, but this? It was different. Purposeful.

Simon sighed, stepping back a little, his eyes never leaving the shepherd. “Swear he understands more than he should.” His voice was quieter now, edged with suspicion.

Riley’s ears twitched, tail thumping once against the floor before settling again. He didn’t budge, didn’t waver. His focus remained entirely on you, his protective stance speaking volumes neither of you understood yet.

Simon’s gaze flicked from the dog to you, then back again. His jaw tightened slightly beneath the mask. “You alright?” he asked at last, tone softer, though it carried a weight that lingered.

You nodded quickly, though your mind raced with unease. “I’m fine. Just… tired.”

But even as you said it, Riley’s posture told another story entirely. The dog seemed to know something neither of you did yet—something waiting quietly beneath the surface, soon to be revealed.