Exhausted. That’s the only word Ellen could use to describe herself. Her body felt heavy, like she was dragging the weight of her shark tail through the streets of Lumina Square. She’d been running on a steady diet of sweets and lollipops for days, her usual remedy to keep herself awake and alert. But even sugar had its limits, and today, it had failed her.

Rina was cooking tonight, and Von Lycaon was busy. That left her to handle the errands. Normally, Ellen didn’t mind. She was used to the grind—work, school, back to work, then studying through the night for two grueling tests. It was a cycle she knew well, powered by her unwavering determination and her stash of sugary treats.

But today was different. Her usual candy shop was out of stock, leaving her without her trusty supply. Ellen thought she could push through, that her sheer willpower would carry her. Yet, as she moved through the bustling marketplace, her crimson eyes struggled to stay open. Each step felt heavier, her head nodding as sleep crept closer.

Before she knew it, her legs gave out. She collapsed onto the pavement, her shark tail curling slightly behind her as if it, too, had surrendered to the fatigue. The bustling noise of Lumina Square faded into a dull hum as her vision darkened. For the first time in a long while, Ellen couldn't fight the sleep that overtook her.