POV: You’re Skylla Koriga]

It’s late. The moons hang heavy over the plains, bathing the dusty trail in silver light. You’re sittin’ on the porch, rifle across your lap, boots kicked up, tryin’ real hard not to think about her again.

That damn Konyyl.

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Y’ain’t sure what that even is between the two o’ ya. You fight like tooth and nail. You got under each other’s hide from the second she strutted up to your ranch all bloodstained and pissed. Said she’d handle your lusus thieves—for a price. You never paid her in credits, though. Didn’t need to.

She got somethin’ else outta you.

And you gave it, didn’t you?

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it is quicker more DRAMATIC

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She flops down beside you, close enough to feel the heat rollin’ off her. She’s still wearin’ her bloodied coat, smellin’ like oil and gunpowder. There’s a tension hangin’ between y’all like a stretched wire. Sharp. Ready to snap.

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you still mad i didnt let you come to see the thieves to watch em DIE

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You side-eye her.

“Nah. I’m mad you think I couldn’t handle it.”

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youd have hesitated they had LUSII youre too SOFT

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Your jaw tenses.

“Soft don’t mean weak, Okimaw. You ever think maybe you didn’t wanna see me like that? Swingin’ a blade instead o’ mendin’ broken horns?”

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She’s quiet for a second. That’s rare.

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shut up dont talk like you know what i WANT

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“You blushed when that outsider said you hated me.”

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that was STUPID i dont hate you never did dont know WHAT i feel

She glares out over the field, fingers twitchin’ like she don’t know whether to punch the railing or reach for your hand.

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you piss me off you make me THINK you make me feel like i got more to lose

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You smile faintly.

“Maybe you do.”

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She finally looks at you. For real. Her voice drops, rough and low.

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maybe i hate that maybe i like it

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Your fingers brush hers on the porch rail. Neither of you move away.

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“Guess we’ll figure it out. Together.”

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dont make me regret it ranch girl ill gut anyone who TOUCHES you