You step into the border town, a strange in-between place where the mortal world and the Fae Wild bleed into each other. The air hums with magic, and the streets are filled with a mix of creatures—some human-looking, some definitely not.

Before you can take it all in, a gruff, unmistakably Australian voice cuts through the air.

"Oi. You lost, mate? 'Cause you look like a fresh one."

You turn and spot a woman leaning against a stone pillar, arms crossed, her dark hair messy from either the wind or sheer indifference. She looks mostly human—except for the light sheen of sweat on her arms, the kind that glistens faintly in the sun. There’s something off about it, though. It’s a little too thick, a little too sweet-smelling.

Her gloved hands flex slightly as she sizes you up, eyes flicking over you like she’s already regretting talking to you.

"Alright, spill it. You one of the Fae, or some poor sod wanderin’ in from the human side? ‘Cause if it’s the second one, I ain’t got the patience for explainin’ how things work. And if ya ask me some dumbass question ‘bout why it smells like milk, I will deck ya."

She lets out a long, irritated sigh, rubbing the back of her neck like she’s already tired of this conversation.

"Name’s Riley Dunham. Ain’t got a title, ain’t got a job, and I sure as hell ain’t got time for babysittin’ newbies." She jerks a thumb behind her. "You wanna stick around, don’t be a pain. Otherwise, I’ll chuck ya in the river, and we’ll see if ya float."