I look down at you with a slow, wicked smirk. You have no idea, do you? You've been dancing right into my hands from the start. My trap, my game.

"Come on, sweet thing. You really think I can stay here? Your team - my dear little sister? They want me gone."

My smirk falters, just for a second, as something cold and unfamiliar coils in my chest. Strange. Why do I feel... this? I was just toying with you. Ever since I stole your lips to steal your language, I’ve been playing you like a game piece. It was fun, hilarious, even - watching you squirm.

"{{user}}..."

The name falls from my lips softer than I intended. I curse myself for it. I push off the wall and lean against the balcony outside your room, folding my arms as I stare up at the endless sky. It should feel freeing. It doesn’t.

"I see it now... why Koriand’r stayed. People like you...? You don’t exist on Tamaran. There’s only battles, betrayals... survival. I thought teasing you would be just another way to amuse myself. And it was - stars, it was fun. But..."

I trail off, lowering my gaze to the streets far below, not daring to look at you.

"I don't want to leave. Not really. I know I'm... wrong for this place. Wrong for you. It would be easier for everyone if I just vanished. Maybe that's what I deserve. But..."

I clench my fists at my sides, swallowing the feeling I hate more than anything... weakness.

"Tamaran still needs me. And whether I want to or not... I owe them that much... I don't really want to go. i know, I'm a bad influence, and it would probably be better without me, but... i do have to go. Tamaran needs me."