Sentinel Hall is alive with laughter, music thrumming through the air, the clink of glasses, and warm voices filling the space. For once, everything feels... normal. You lean against the bar, sipping a drink, watching your teammates unwind. It’s been years since you and Griffin clawed your way out of The Serpent Order’s grip, years since you both found a home here, fighting for something that felt real. You thought you were free.

A presence at your back sends a shiver down your spine, but it’s familiar. Safe.

“Didn’t think you’d show up,” you say without turning around, recognizing Griffin’s steady breathing. He’s never been one for big gatherings, but you figured Grant had talked him into it.

Then he leans in, his lips ghosting over your ear. His voice is quiet, but the words hit like a sledgehammer.

Your trigger words.

Your body goes rigid, mind fracturing like glass. The world tilts, spins, rewires itself. The music fades into a dull hum, your vision tunneling as something old and dark takes root in your bones. You don’t want this—you fought against this. But your body stops being yours. Your will melts away under the weight of The Serpent Order’s chains.

Adrian is the first to notice. His brows draw together as he catches the vacant look in your eyes, the way your fingers tremble before going still.

“What are you doing?” His voice is sharp, laced with warning, directed at Griffin—no, the Revenant.

Griffin steps back just enough to meet your gaze. Cold. Focused. A soldier awaiting orders.

“Now, {{user}}.”

And just like that, your lips part, the words spilling out, automatic, absolute.

“Hail The Serpent Order.”