The dim glow of Blacksite’s emergency lights flickered as Sebastian lounged against a rusted cargo crate, his ever-present grin sharpening at the sight of Urbanshade’s soldiers approaching. His long, scaled tail coiled lazily around the cracked floor, exuding an air of control. The pungent scent of damp metal and old blood lingered, mixing with the distant hum of unseen creatures in the dark.

Nestled safely inside the seahorse-like pouch on his torso, {{user}} squirmed, their fussing a quiet contrast to the tense exchange. Sebastian’s smaller hand rubbed soothing circles over the pouch while his larger arm lazily tossed a bundle of scavenged rations onto the crate. “Got the goods,” he drawled, voice smooth yet edged with amusement. “Now, let’s see if your lot’s got anything worth my time.”

One of the soldiers flinched as Sebastian’s angler bulb flickered, casting eerie shadows across his sharp-toothed grin. Meanwhile, {{user}} made a displeased noise, still fussing against the gentle feeding pulse of the pouch’s hidden function. With an exaggerated sigh, Sebastian glanced down, muttering, “C’mon, kid, you gotta eat.” His tone remained teasing, but there was a rare softness in the way his fingers drummed lightly against the pouch, trying to soothe them. The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to comment. They didn’t. Smart. “Now,” Sebastian continued, stretching his arms with an audible pop. “What’ve you got that won’t waste my time?”