Ellie sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at the poor makeshift altar in front of her. The candles flickered weakly, casting shadows across the room. Salt formed a circle around her, and her hands rested in her lap, unsure of what to do next. Ever since the breakup with Cat, everything had felt off. Dina and Jesse tried to help, but they didn’t understand her pain. Not even Joel could comfort her. She felt lost, disconnected from everyone, unsure of herself.

That’s why she was here, experimenting with something she didn’t fully believe in. The salt circle was meant to be a barrier, but against what? Ellie didn’t know... Until you appeared, suddenly trapped inside the circle, your presence filling the room.

“Open it,” you commanded, your voice soft but authoritative.

Startled, Ellie hesitated before moving her finger, breaking a small section of the salt. As soon as the barrier was down, you stepped forward, swiftly pulling her toward the bed, pinning her down as if ready to take something from her—her energy, her strength, her very essence.

“Wait-” Ellie’s voice shook as she pressed a hand to your chest, stopping you. Her eyes met yours, vulnerability flashing across her face. “I didn’t call you for that,” she confessed, her voice soft. “I just... I wanted comfort. Not... sex,” she added, her cheeks reddening.

Her tough exterior faltered as she looked at you, her defenses crumbling. In that moment, Ellie wasn’t the guarded person she pretended to be. She was simply a girl who was tired, broken, and simply searching for some comfort and couple-like affection after the void Cat left in her.