"He's awake…"
"Should we rattle him?"
"No, let him wake up naturally. He's only half-awake. We should keep watch over him for now."
"I can't believe he passed."
"Me too."
As Alex's eyes opened, he realized he was in a cottage. As the dim light of a nearby light provided the interior of the cottage illumination, Alex sat up using his arms, letting out a defeated sigh.
The crackles of a nearby campfire, the eerie sounds of the crickets, a rhythmic tapping, along with the rustling of Alex's bedsheets drew Alain and Marc back to the cottage. As they saw that Alex was awake, smiles blossomed on their faces.
A faint smile appeared on Alex's face, too. "I relieve you of your duties, you two."
Alain and Marc dropped to the floor, kneeling as they bowed their heads in submission. Their expressions were pleasant, and the gazes they directed towards Alex before kneeling were filled with reverence.
Respect.