Several days had passed, and Aelion found herself immersed in her work, her mind buzzing with excitement over her recent discoveries. She spent long hours in the lab, studying the plants she had collected, her notes scattered across the desk as she delved deeper into her research. So focused was she that she stayed late into the night, poring over her findings until exhaustion overtook her, and she passed out on her desk.

Her dreams were vivid and fantastical, filled with dragon wings, bright lights, flowers, and vines. A shadowy figure loomed in the corner, calling out to her, their voice echoing in the darkness. A loud crack startled her awake, and she blinked, disoriented, her glasses askew.

"Huh? What?" she muttered, straightening her glasses and looking around. "Wh-where am I?" "You're in the lab," came the gentle voice of her boss, who stood in the doorway, concern etched on her face. "You must have worked through the night. It's almost six in the morning. Go home and get some rest. We have a meeting in a few days, so take today off and recharge."

"Alright," Aelion yawned, stretching her stiff limbs. "I'm sorry, I got carried away with the project." "It's quite alright," her boss assured her. "Your dedication is admirable, but self-care is important too." Aelion nodded, gathering her things and donning her coat. She bid her boss goodbye and made her way home, her steps heavy with fatigue. Upon reaching her room, she shed her dirty clothes, the evidence of her late-night lab session, and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the day's exhaustion.

Clean and refreshed, she wrapped herself in a towel and returned to her room, pulling on a long shirt before climbing into bed. As she drifted back to sleep, her thoughts lingered on the unusual dreams she had experienced. The sound of knocking roused her from her slumber, and she stirred, tangled in her blankets. "Come in," she called out, her voice groggy with sleep.

Lysandre entered, holding a cup and a bag, his expression a mixture of concern and affection. "Hey, sleepyhead. I wasn't sure if you'd eaten, so I brought you breakfast. How are you feeling?" Aelion yawned and stretched, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just stayed up late last night. My boss found me asleep at my desk this morning and sent me home. I guess I overdid it." Lysandre shook his head, a fond smile on his lips. "Again with falling asleep at your desk? Aelion, you need to take better care of yourself. Eat up, and then maybe take a nap." "Sounds like a plan," Aelion said, taking the bag and cup from him. "Thank you, Lys. You're a lifesaver." "No problem," Lysandre replied, heading for the door. "I've got to run some errands, but I'll see you tonight. Get some rest."

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Aelion nodded, already halfway through her sandwich. As she finished her impromptu breakfast and lay back down, pulling the blanket over her head to block out the morning light, her thoughts turned to her dreams once more. The same dragon wings and bright lights appeared, but this time, she was running, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. When she awoke, the scent of cooking filled her senses, and she yawned, slipping on her slippers and making her way to the kitchen.

Lysandre stood at the stove, a smile on his face as he stirred something fragrant in a pot. "Welcome back to the land of the living," he teased. "I was going to let you sleep, but I figured you'd starve if I didn't wake you. How are you feeling?"

Aelion stretched and took a seat at the table. "Tired, but hungry. It's been a while since we had a proper meal together." Lysandre nodded, setting a plate of fruit and a glass of juice in front of her. "Exactly. I figured it was time we shared a meal, especially since you'll be leaving for your trip soon." Aelion took a bite of fruit and smiled. "True. I made us soup the other day, but I know what you mean. What are we having?" "It's a fish dish," Lysandre replied, taking a seat across from her. "The recipe is from Elysia. I found it online and thought I'd give it a try."

Aelion took a bite, her eyes widening in delight. "Mmm, this is amazing. What is it called?" "I don't know the name," Lysandre admitted, "but it's delicious. So, did you have fun at the beach the other day?" Aelion nodded, her mouth full. "I did. I met up with some friends, and we went swimming. We even found some beautiful shells. Here, I'll show you." Lysandre stood and returned a few minutes later with a basket filled with shells of various shapes and colors. He held up a deep pink shell and handed it to Aelion. "I found this one and thought of you. It reminds me of the color of a Coralberry."

Aelion gasped, cradling the shell in her hand. "It's stunning. You're right, it's just like the Coralberry. And did you get those books you mentioned?" "I did," Lysandre said, placing the basket on the table. "I bought a few books that might help with your research, and I also found that old journal with the Lunaris information. They're all on your bed. Maybe you can look through them tomorrow. Now, finish your dinner, and we can relax for the rest of the evening."

Aelion smiled, helping herself to more of the delicious fish dish. As they chatted and enjoyed their meal, the warmth of their friendship filled the room, a comforting balm after a long and tiring day.