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Chapter 6 – The First Morning
Author: Ciro-Grip
last update2025-09-22 09:28:12

The first light of dawn filtered through cracks in the ruin’s walls, casting long bars of gold across the dusty floor. For the first time in years, Desmond wasn’t waking alone.

The air carried three different rhythms of breath: one steady, one shallow, one faintly restless.

He sat up, back against the cold wall, and let the reality settle in. Three wives. One broken home. Seven days until the King’s inspection. The system pulsed faintly in his skull:

[Quest Active: The First Test of Unity.]

[Objective: Present a household worthy of inspection in seven days.]

[Failure: Conscription to the Front.]

Desmond dragged a hand down his face. Seven days to turn ruins into home. Seven days to make them trust me enough not to walk away.

Mira stirred first. Her eyes fluttered open, wide and uncertain. She sat up, hugging her knees. “Good morning,” she whispered.

Her voice was soft, almost afraid to break the silence. Desmond nodded. “Morning.”

Lysandra was next. She sat up briskly, already scannin
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