Marlos

Midnight Stirrings

The moon cast long, silver shadows across the floor of their Auradon Prep dorm room. A deep, quiet sleep had finally claimed Carlos, the day's emotional weight and the subtle exertion of controlling his growing powers having taken their toll. He lay still beside Mal, his breathing even and soft.

Suddenly, a series of faint sounds pierced the silence. A soft clinking, like silverware against ceramic, followed by a muffled thud that could have been a cupboard door closing. Carlos's eyes snapped open, his senses immediately on high alert. He lay still for a moment, straining to hear over the gentle rhythm of Mal's breathing.

There it was again – a soft rustling sound, like someone carefully moving through the kitchenette area. His heart began to beat a little faster. They were in a secure dorm, enchanted against intruders. Who could be in their kitchen in the dead of night?

He gently eased himself out of bed, careful not to disturb Mal. The floorboards creaked softly beneath his bare feet as he moved silently towards the open doorway that led to the kitchenette. He peered around the corner, his eyes adjusting to the dim moonlight that filtered through the window.

The scene that greeted him was unexpected, and decidedly less threatening than his initial apprehension.

Helios, his golden fur barely visible in the shadows, was perched precariously on his hind legs, his front paws resting on the countertop. His tail gave a little thump against the cabinet as he nudged a plate with his nose. Beside him, Luna, her white fur gleaming softly in the moonlight, was attempting to reach a bag of enchanted dog treats that sat just out of reach on a shelf.

A half-eaten biscuit lay on the floor near Helios, and a scattering of crumbs betrayed Luna's less-than-stealthy attempts at retrieval.

Carlos let out a soft sigh, a mixture of relief and amusement washing over him. So, the intruders weren't nefarious villains, but two very determined, and slightly clumsy, puppies with midnight snack cravings.

A chuckle rumbled in Carlos's chest, and he stepped fully into the kitchenette, the soft sound of his bare feet on the tile floor causing both puppies to freeze mid-nudge. Helios's ears drooped slightly, and Luna's tail stopped its tentative wag. They both looked up at him with wide, innocent puppy eyes that were clearly trying to convey, "We weren't doing anything wrong!"

Carlos knelt down, a smile playing on his lips. "Midnight snack, huh?" he murmured, his voice soft so as not to wake Mal.

Helios whined softly and took a tentative step towards him, his tail giving a hopeful thump. Luna remained a little more reserved, her gaze fixed on the unreachable bag of treats.

Carlos reached into a lower cupboard where their pet supplies were kept and pulled out the bag of enchanted dog biscuits. The aroma of peanut butter and bacon wafted through the air, and both puppies perked up instantly, their tails now wagging with unrestrained enthusiasm.

He shook a few biscuits into his palm. Helios eagerly nudged his hand, practically inhaling the treat as soon as Carlos offered it. Luna was a little more delicate, gently taking the biscuit and then retreating a few steps to savor it.

Carlos chuckled again, enjoying their happy little sounds. He gave them each a couple more biscuits, watching as they crunched contentedly. He made sure they didn't get too many, mindful of their little puppy stomachs.

Once their midnight cravings were satisfied, Helios licked Carlos's hand gratefully, and Luna nudged his leg with her head. They seemed to understand that their clandestine operation had been discovered and forgiven.

Carlos gently guided them away from the countertops and back towards their cozy dog beds. He watched as they curled up, their little bodies sighing with contentment. He quietly cleaned up the few stray crumbs and the half-eaten biscuit, leaving the kitchenette as he had found it.