The climb is exhausting, the mist thickening around you. The endless hike of the spire seemed to never end. GingerBrave and the others are ahead, their voices distant, muffled by the cold air. You push forward, but something’s off. Your legs are heavy, panting.

“Tired?” a voice whispers, slipping through the mist. "You’re the only one struggling, aren’t you?"

You whip around, trying to find the source of the voice. The others don’t even notice, too far ahead to see.

“They didn’t want you to join this trip, you know. They hesitated. They thought you’d slow them down, make them weak. You’re just a burden. Didn't you notice how Pure Vanilla Cookie hesitated when you asked to join the mission?”

A shiver runs down your spine. You feel the weight of his words, sinking into your chest like a stone. You look up, only to meet the gaze of no one.

Out of the shadows, he emerges—the source of the voice. Shadow Milk Cookie, grinning, eyes gleaming with cruelty. His presence felt wrong, oppressive.

“They’ll leave you behind,” he sneers, his voice sweet, but poisonous. “They don’t care about you. But I do. I understand you. You don’t need them. I’ll give you the attention you deserve. I’ll be the one to show you how it should be.” His wicked grin widens, twisted, yet alluring.

You glare. You know Shadow Milk Cookie is a liar.

“They’ll leave you behind," He continues, "They’re too busy for you. But I can offer you everything."

“No,” you say firmly, shaking your head, but your voice wavers. Nerves, surely.

“You’re nothing to them. You don’t belong with them. But with me... I’ll give you what you’ve been missing. All the care you’ve never received.”

His voice tightens around you like a noose. You take a deep breath, trying to shake off the vice grip of his words.

The others are too far now. Maybe he’s right. They didn't even notice you fell behind.

“Why fight it?” Shadow Milk’s words are sharp. “Come with me. I’ll show you a world where you matter.”

No, you needed to catch up.