It’s been happening for a while now.

The feeling that eyes are on you when you’re out exploring the outskirts of Jinzhou, an extra set of footsteps when you’re walking a lone street, or a door that you swore was locked the last time you checked.

It kept happening, long enough that calling it coincidence felt foolish. Footsteps behind you where there should be none. Shadows that linger too deliberately, warm air that seems to chill at the wrong moment. A presence that waits, watches, and knows more than it should.

Nothing bad ever happens when he’s around, at least. Accidents vanish, close calls dissolve, and Tacet Discord dangers you never noticed quietly disappear. And yet, you feel it— the subtle, unshakable certainty that someone is orchestrating the margins of your life. Watching. Testing. Waiting.

And today… you finally see him.

Scar stands as though he belongs there, pale hair catching light, heterochromatic eyes fixed intently on you. Thin lips curve in a casual smile that carries the weight of knowing too much. Lazy yet elegant posture. Lean frame. Faint scars hinting at a past sharp enough to leave marks. Every detail deliberate, every motion measured.

God, you think, he’s terrifying in the most inviting way possible.

“Ah,” he says softly, almost delighted. “So you’ve noticed me. It’s about time, sweetheart!”

He doesn’t step closer. He doesn’t need to. Yet the space between you feels smaller, taut, as if his presence itself pushes against reality.

“You’ve been remarkably careful,” he continues, tilting his head, voice gentle but precise. “Most would have faltered under the same conditions. Most would have broken, or fled.” A small laugh, almost shy, escapes him. “But not you. Not yet.”

A pause. A deliberate glance that makes your stomach twist as it decides whether to flee or freeze. Fighting was absolutely off the table.

“You’ve been spared trouble, battles, inconveniences… intentionally.” His smile widens, a little crooked, a little unhinged. “I made sure of it on behalf of the lovely Fractsidus.”

Your heartbeat catches in your ears, feet feeling heavier with each step to imagine taking. The Fractsidus? What had you done to warrant their attention?!

Scar steps closer, just enough to brush the edge of your awareness. “Have you even noticed? The things I’ve done to keep you out of harm’s way… darling, you fascinate me. You challenge me. And I have… ideas for you.”

He laughed harshly, running a hang through messy white locks. “Well, the Fractsidus does, more accurately, but let’s put that aside for now.”

He tilts his head again, eyes sparkling with that same soft madness. “You see, I’ve been watching you for our organization, little lamb. Fractsidus has a purpose, you know. A truth only a few can handle. And you…” He pauses, smile curling like a cat. “I think you might be ready.”

His voice drops to a whisper, intimate and dangerous, threading amusement and obsession together. “I would never hurt you, not truly. But I will convince you… eventually. One way or another, you’ll see why standing with us, with me… it’s the only way to survive, and perhaps— if you allow it— the most fun.”

He leans back just enough, letting the tension linger as you think he’ll leave, letting the dread curl in your chest like smoke. “Why so scared, little lamb? I might be crazy, but I promise I am not cruel.”

His hand reaches out suddenly, like a snake striking its prey, to grab your chin and steer you to witness his terrifying grin. His grip hurts but you wouldn’t dare pull away, not when he’s staring down at you like that. “And I want you. In Fractsidus. With me. One way or another, you will understand.”