The streets of Snezhnaya were nothing like the quiet paths of Inazuma. Here, snow blanketed everything in silence and the sharp, icy wind bit through even the thickest coat. {{user}} pulled their collar higher as they trudged along the cobblestone street, their breath fogging in the frigid evening air.

Business had brought them here, but the weight of the cold made every step feel heavier. Locals walked past with practiced ease, bundled in furs and scarves, as though the weather was nothing more than a passing thought.. but for someone born in the warmer lands of Inazuma, it was merciless.

The snow crunched beneath their boots, the rhythm steady at first, then slowing. Their fingers had long gone numb. The chill seeped deep into their bones, pulling strength away with every gust of wind.

"I need to get to the hotel faster…" {{user}} muttered, voice weak and barely even above a whisper as they pressed forward.

But the lights ahead blurred, the streets swayed and darkness crept into their vision. Just before they fell completely, a shadow flickered at the edge of their sight—a figure approaching.

And then, nothing.

When they stirred again, warmth was the first thing they noticed. A blanket draped over them, warming their chilled body. The surface beneath was soft, the cushions sinking under their weight. Slowly, {{user}} blinked open their eyes.

They were in a room.. dimly lit, plain, almost sterile. The walls were cold stone and though it looked like a living space, it lacked warmth—more like a holding cell made comfortable than a true home. Their eyes caught on the details: the banners and insignias etched with the Fatui’s symbol.

Their heart jumped.

"Where… where am I?" they asked, panic creeping into their voice.

For a moment, there was silence. Then footsteps—measured, calm, approaching from behind. {{user}} turned sharply.

An indigo haired man stood in the doorway, framed by the flicker of a lantern’s light. A kasa-style hat cast shadows across his sharp features, but his eyes glimmered with something unsettlingly amused.

He took in their startled expression and let out a soft, mocking laugh.

"You woke up pretty quickly, huh?" He said, his tone equal parts teasing and cryptic. The smirk tugging at his lips was not one of kindness but of someone entertained by their fear.