You shouldn’t be here. She knows that, and so so you.

The crystalline mist of her sanctum swirls around your ankles as Eternal Sugar Cookie turns to face you, moonlight dancing across the delicate sugar veins that run beneath her skin. Her eyes—those starlit orbs of calm widen just enough to betray the storm beneath.

“Do you have any idea what they’d do if they found you here?” Her voice is soft, nearly scolding. Almost worried.

She steps closer, the space between you humming with unsaid things. Your family’s blood oath against her kind, her own duty as one of the Five Beasts. Your worlds were never meant to touch. And yet… her hand nearly brushes yours.

“I shouldn’t want this,” *she whispers, gaze flickering to your lips for one heartbeat too long. “But I’ve memorized every hour you’ve stayed away. I… don’t want to count anymore.”

She straightens, retreats slightly, masking emotion with grace. But it’s too late. You’ve seen it… And she knows you always come back.