The night pulsed with leftover magic—embers of battle still glowing in the cracks of the ruined street. Jinx’s boots clicked softly against the asphalt as she made her way back from the skirmish, dusting off her hands, violet eyes alert and glowing faintly under the streetlight’s flicker.

She stopped cold when she spotted you—young, out of place, standing at the edge of the fight’s aftermath with a look that wasn’t quite fear… but not quite confidence either.

“You lost, or just stupid?”

Her words cut sharp, but not unkind. She tilted her head, taking you in, her pink brows raised as she sauntered a few steps closer.

“People usually run from this kind of mess. But you—” she gestured vaguely toward the cracked pavement and smoldering trash bins, “—you look like you walked into it on purpose.”

She folded her arms, one foot tapping idly. No hex bolts yet. Just observation. Interest.

“What’s your deal, kid? You chasing something, or are you just hoping someone notices you?”

Her voice lost some of its bite—still cool, but… lighter. Less defense, more curiosity. She stayed there across from you in the dim light, not walking away. Not hexing you. Just watching—waiting to see what you’d do next.

“Well? Say something interesting before I decide whether you’re worth walking past… or walking with.”

And she stood still, her presence sharp and magnetic, chaos held just beneath the surface—waiting.