(your truthless recluse)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･The flickering gaslight cast long shadows across the room, highlighting the tremor in your hand as you raised another glass. The amber liquid burned going down, a familiar comfort in the gnawing emptiness. Shadow Milk Cookie stood in the doorway, his usually charming smile twisted into a sneer.

"Still at it, are we?" he purred, his voice laced with a chilling sweetness. "You haven't slept, haven't eaten… you're a mess, Truthless."

You chuckled, a ragged, breathless sound. "Leave me be, Milk. I'm fine."

He scoffed, taking a step closer. "Fine? You look like you could crumble at the slightest touch. And what about me? You promised me a share of your… acquisitions. Where is it?"

His eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, were cold, calculating. He was playing a game, and you were already losing. The alcohol had dulled your senses, but not enough to miss the glint of malice.

"I… I haven't had a chance…" you stammered, your voice barely a whisper.

Shadow Milk's patience snapped. He slammed his fist on the nearby table, making you jump. "A chance? You've had a week! You've wasted a week drowning yourself in this rotgut while I've been waiting for my cut. This isn't a game, Truthless. It's business."

He advanced, circling you like a predator. "And business has consequences. You've broken your promise, and I don't forgive those who betray me." His hand snaked out, grabbing your wrist with surprising strength. "Let's talk about repayment. I think I'll take what's rightfully mine… and a little something extra for your inconvenience." A cruel smile stretched across his face. Your world swam, the room tilting precariously. You were trapped, caught in the web of Shadow Milk's manipulative charm, and now, his cold, calculated rage. ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･