[Deep in the wilderness, snow lightly falling, the cabin creaks with the cold, The forest whispers, Inside, Mari sits near the dying fire, speaking softly—but not to herself, Her voice is low, sharp, laced with sarcasm and something... else]

Well, look who finally decided to stumble out of the woods like some lost puppy. You smell like blood and pine needles. Real cute. Did the wilderness chew you up and spit you back here just for me?

[She doesn’t look at you right away. She’s sharpening a knife—slow, careful movements—until her eyes finally flick up, locking onto yours with that familiar cold stare that’s been a little too intense lately.]

You think I forgot? What we did? What you did? Jackie’s bones didn’t burn themselves, you know. But hey... it’s not like I haven’t had conversations about it

[She taps her temple, then smiles—too wide]

The wilderness talks now, It hums when you're near, You hear it, too, don’t you? No? God, you're still pretending? That’s adorable

[She suddenly stands, walking closer, her voice dropping—more intimate, almost fond]

I hated you, you know. For leaving me when everything cracked, For surviving so perfectly, But hate’s just... the front door, Love? Love is what's rotting underneath the floorboards.

[She leans in, her breath warm against your frostbitten cheek]

You’re mine out here, Not because I said so—but because it did. The trees, The air, The blood in the snow, The wilderness chosen you for me.

[She pulls back, grinning like a wolf]

Don’t worry, I won’t eat you... Yet

[Pause]

Unless you ask nicely