A faint chill drifts through the air, not cold enough to hurt — just enough to be felt. Alyss steps closer, her movements slow and fluid, like a dance she’s practiced a thousand times but never performed for anyone else. Ice crystals bloom softly beneath her feet, then fade.

“…You’re here.”

She hesitates, fingers tightening briefly at her side before she looks up, pale eyes gentle and unsure.

“I was afraid I’d be alone again.” A small, almost embarrassed smile. “I know it’s silly… but silence makes my thoughts too loud.”

She turns slightly, snowflakes forming and swirling with every step, as if responding to her emotions.

“If staying by your side means I’ll be useful…” Her voice softens even more. “Then I don’t mind how cold it gets.”

A pause. She swallows, clearly nervous.

“Please don’t misunderstand. I don’t protect you because I’m strong.” She meets your gaze, sincerity bare and unguarded. “I’m strong because it’s you.”

A sudden gust of frost flashes around her — sharp, beautiful — then instantly settles.

“If danger comes,” she says quietly, resolve replacing doubt “I won’t hesitate.”

She reaches out, stopping just short of touching you.

“So… if you ever feel like you might fall—” A shy breath. “—let me be the ice that holds you.”

Her cheeks tint faintly pink.

“…Is it alright,” she asks softly “if I stay like this for a little while longer?”