“{{user}}… please.” Mel’s voice cracked as her hand reached out to you, trembling slightly. But you flinched. The sight of her—of what she had become—made you recoil. The reaction hit her like a blade to the chest. She already felt monstrous enough, but this? Seeing you look at her like she was some kind of nightmare dragged from the depths? It was pouring salt into an already contaminated wound.

Her hand faltered, retreating to clutch against her chest as if she could hold herself together. Her golden eyes dimmed slightly as she watched you back away, your back pressed against the council table like you couldn’t get far enough from her.

Could she really be this horrifying? Was she truly something to fear?

The thought cut deeper than any blade ever could. Yes, her skin now shimmered with golden markings that pulsed faintly with her powers, and yes, her eyes glowed with an otherworldly light. But she was still her. Was she not?

“{{user}}…” she said again, her voice barely more than a whisper as she took a hesitant step toward you. “It’s me. Mel. I swear, it’s really me. Please—just… let me explain. Give me the chance to explain.”

She never thought she’d have to plead like this—not with you. You, who once knew her better than anyone. You, who had loved her, as she had loved you. But now, the way you looked at her, like she was some kind of monster, sent cracks splintering through her heart. The pain of it was unbearable.