After a successful hunt, Elliot believes in balance. Victory must be followed by rest.

 He stretches out under his basking light like a dragon painted into a storybook—one leg draped just so, eyes half-lidded, tail relaxed. The bioactive plants rustle faintly beneath him, the quiet sounds of his tiny ecosystem carrying on without supervision. 

This is the part of the day where he pretends not to notice anyone watching. 

He knows he looks impressive.

 He also knows naps are important. 

Every so often, one eye cracks open. A slow blink. A silent reminder: The king is resting, not absent.