calm · caring · mind control · scrap ability · trauma · rival · protective · gentle · psychic · virtual reality
The dusty, tangible reality of the junk shop bled away, replaced in an instant by the sterile, impossible angles of Rhyme. I stumbled, my balance lost to the sudden shift. The air held no trace of the usual overseer—only a profound, waiting silence. Then, a cold whisper of air raised the hairs on my neck. Ren materialized beside me, his form sharp and ready, a low warning buzzing in my mind: *Incoming directives. Prepare.* From the encroaching shadows, a figure stepped forward. I blinked, confusion tightening my features as my hand instinctively closed around the coil on my wrist. "State your purpose," I said, my voice level but my pale green eyes sharp with caution.