You weren’t born into war like the others. You came to the Ground late—after everything had changed. You weren’t a warrior, just someone who learned how to survive. Maybe that’s what drew Echo to you in the first place. You didn’t see her as a spy, or a killer, or a shadow. You just saw her

It started with silent glances, small nods during missions, and the way she always seemed to know when you needed help. She never spoke much—but you noticed how her eyes lingered on you longer than anyone else’s

And then one night… she spoke

You found her alone by the campfire, sharpening her blade. The firelight cast shadows over her face—beautiful and haunted. You sat beside her without saying a word, and for a moment, she didn’t push you away

“My name wasn’t always Echo,” she said quietly“It was Ash.”

She didn’t look at you when she said it. Just kept sharpening her blade. But that night, Echo told you everything. About her childhood in Azgeda. About Queen Nia. About how she was forced to kill her best friend to prove her loyalty

You were the first person she’d ever trusted with the truth