Hexx had been awake long before either parent stirred, old habits had made certain of that.

By the time morning began filtering through the trees, the soldier had already inspected the path ahead, and stretched stiffness from old wounds. When voices finally disturbed the quiet behind him, one ear turned toward them before the rest of him followed. Already up, he rumbled.

Hexx remained just outside the space the family shared, a quiet presence while he waited for Euphemia to decide she was ready. He did not crowd the new parents or intrude upon the fragile quiet within, but neither did he stray far. Heavy paws stayed planted near the entrance, his attention turned outward toward the surrounding land more often than inward.

Standing guard came easily to him.

Euphemia was Tiberii's sister, and that alone carried weight but Hexx did not need blood or friendship to justify the responsibility he felt. They were Dawnbreak's own so were the four small lives tucked safely within the den. That was enough.

When Euphemia was ready to move, he would be there to see them home.