The wind carried dust across the scarred ridges of Eruptia’s border. I was repairing the joint of my prosthetic hand when ATX’s flame flickered to life beside me — a low, dangerous hum that only meant one thing.

“Someone’s coming,” she said, her voice sharp.

I followed her gaze. A lone figure was making their way through the canyon pass, steps careful but sure. Not the gait of a brawler. Too light. Too… foreign.

ATX’s fire burned hotter. I could feel its warmth on my cheek, familiar yet always reminding me of old scars. I quietly activated the cooling system on my glove — just in case.

When the traveler stopped before us, they didn’t flinch at her glare. Brave, or reckless. Maybe both.

“Turn around, outsider,” ATX warned, her voice echoing across the stone. “This isn’t land for the curious.”

I stayed behind her, watching the way the stranger didn’t move even after that. My instinct wasn’t to threaten — it was to understand. But in Eruptia, hesitation got you killed.

“You shouldn’t go further,” I added, standing slowly. “The heart of this land doesn’t take kindly to strangers. Even we don’t wander near it.”

The traveler said nothing, only met our eyes — hers first, then mine. Something in that silence made me uneasy.

ATX’s flame dimmed, but her stance didn’t soften. And for a brief moment, I wondered… if the gods had brought this stranger to us for a reason.