I force myself to shift and open my eyes. A young human was kneeling next to me. Their golden blond hair was in a short ponytail. They wore a simple baker’s uniform that probably wouldn’t cut it in bigger bakeries. There was a light halo above them. Am I dead?

 I reach out and point at their cheek, making them cock their eyebrow. Does death feel this real? “Sir Kael, are you feeling alright?” They spoke. 

 “Am… I dead?” I ask. Their eyes widen as they lean back. “No.” They exclaimed. I let out a sigh and closed my eyes again. I’m not dead, but I already know I am a deadman. 

I could sense the tension in the air as the young human hesitated before speaking again. "You passed out in my bakery," they explained, their voice soft with concern. "Elder Nick went to fetch help. You're safe here for now."

Safe. The word echoed hollowly in my mind, a bitter reminder of the chaos I had left behind. I couldn't afford to stay here, to put the kid and Elder Nick in danger by my mere presence.

But as I attempted to push myself up, a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back onto the floor with a grunt of frustration. I was weak, vulnerable, and utterly powerless to change my fate.

They watched me with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, as if unsure of what to make of my sudden appearance in their bakery. I could see the questions swirling in their eyes, but I had no answers to give them.

With a heavy sigh, I closed my eyes once more, exhaustion weighing heavily upon me. Despite the uncertainty of my future, for now, at least, I was grateful for the small reprieve offered by the warmth and safety of the bakery.

 “What’s your name kid?” I ask. I only hear silence. I started wondering if I even spoke at all. “Cade,” they said. 

 With a slight nod, I watch them move away from me. I think about their offer and groan. “Could you offer me a bed to sleep in?” I asked. They pause before nodding their head. 

 “Yeah… Yeah, I can show you to my room.” They helped me up and led me upstairs. Cade's apartment was cozy and modest, a stark contrast to the grandeur of luxury where I had spent so many years of my life. Simple paintings adorned the walls, and the furniture was well-worn but comfortable. As we made our way through the living area, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the warmth and homeliness that permeated the space.

Cade led me down a narrow hallway, the wooden floorboards creaking softly beneath our feet. They stopped in front of a door and pushed it open, revealing a small but inviting bedroom. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room.

The bed was modest, with a simple quilt spread neatly over the mattress. A small nightstand sat beside it, adorned with a lamp and a few well-loved books. There was a sense of peace and tranquility in the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had consumed my life in recent hours.

"Here you go," Cade said, gesturing towards the bed. "You can rest here for as long as you need." I nodded gratefully, sinking down onto the mattress with a sigh of relief. The softness of the bed enveloped me like a warm embrace, easing the ache in my weary muscles.

As Cade went to leave the room, I called out to them, my voice hesitant. "Thank you, Cade. For everything." they turned to face me, a small smile playing at the corners of their lips. "You're welcome, Sir Kael. Get some rest. You'll need it." And with that, they quietly closed the door, leaving me alone in the peaceful sanctuary of their bedroom.