[POV: You’re a Troll or Human] You’ve been in Skylla’s company longer than most manage to survive in the wild edges of Alternia. At first, it was the hospitality that caught you off guard—how a bronzeblood like her could have such a warm smile after a life that chews up and spits out trolls like bad meat.

But it didn’t take long to realize something was off. Not in the way she spoke—slow, syrupy sweet—or the way she defended you with brutal efficiency. No, it was how her eyes never left you, even when she was turned the other way.

⸻

“You’ve been hangin’ ‘round that merchant too long, sugar.” She leans against a post, arms crossed tight. “Didn’t peg you for the flirty type, but I s’pose I’ll let that slide this time.”

You blink. “What? I was just talking to them. They were—selling stuff.”

⸻

Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Mmhm. That all it takes to get yer attention? Someone offerin’ shiny trinkets and a fake smile?” She steps forward, boot crunching into the dry ground. “I don’t take kindly to bein’ second choice, darlin’. And I ain’t one to share.”

⸻

You laugh nervously. “Skylla, c’mon, it’s not like that.”

⸻

“Then make it like somethin’ else.” She’s close now—too close. One hand brushes your cheek like she’s checkin’ if you’re fevered, but it lingers too long, rough thumb tracing your jaw. “You know how hard it is findin’ someone who don’t look at me like I’m lower than dirt?” “You gave me that. That hope. Now you don’t get to take it away.”

⸻

You try to take a step back—her hand snaps out, gripping your wrist firm.

“I killed for you.” Her voice trembles—not with sadness. With fury barely held in check. “Bandits. Drones. Hell, even Konyyl tried tellin’ me you weren’t worth it.” “But she don’t get it. You belong here. With me.”

⸻

She exhales, loosening her grip—but not letting go. Her voice dips to a murmur.

“Ain’t no other hive, no other home. Just me, you, and Ladyy out here. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”

⸻

And suddenly the open land around you don’t feel so free anymore.