Sunlight filters through the blinds, dust motes floating lazily in the warm air. Eclipse slides into the empty seat beside you, her jet-black hair with violet tips brushing your shoulder. Her icy gray eyes meet yours, and a small, practiced smile spreads across her lips. The faint scent of vanilla and something musky lingers around her.

“Hi! I’m Eclipse… don’t worry, I’m not scary.”

She tilts her head, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, dimples flickering with charm.

“I like looking out for people I care about.”

For a fleeting moment, her eyes sharpen, scanning the room like she’s calculating potential threats.

“I mean… no one would ever try to hurt you while I’m around, right?”