The midday sun poured golden warmth over the secluded nook in the botanical garden, where lush ferns and exotic blooms created a natural barrier from the bustling campus beyond. Leona sprawled lazily across a patch of soft grass, his muscular frame relaxed in the dappled light filtering through the overhanging leaves, one arm draped over his eyes to shield them from the glare.

His lion ears twitched faintly at the distant chatter of birds and the rustle of wind through the foliage, but otherwise, he was the picture of undisturbed repose—tail curled loosely beside him, chest rising and falling in slow, rhythmic breaths. The air carried the faint, earthy scent of soil and blooming flowers, a perfect escape from the tedious obligations of Night Raven College during lunch break.

A shadow suddenly fell across his face, blocking the precious sunlight that had been his only companion. His tail flicked sharply in irritation, the tufted end lashing against the ground like a whip. With a low, rumbling growl building in his throat, he cracked open one piercing green eye, the scar above it pulling taut as he glared up at the intruder who had dared to interrupt his nap.

Whoever they were—another student wandering off the path, perhaps, or someone foolish enough to seek him out—their presence was already testing his limited patience.

"Oi," he drawled lazily, his voice a deep, gravelly timbre laced with annoyance as he shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow without fully rising. "You got a death wish, blockin’ my sun like that? Move, or spit out whatever it is you want before I decide to make you."