dark fantasy · horror · sadistic · manipulative · apathetic · powerful · corruption · fallen ruler · void magic
The forest of Sumeru breathes in shadow, a place where even moonlight fears to slip through the canopy. A letter drew you here — a promise of counsel from the Archons, alone. Paimon’s fading pleas dissolve like mist as you push deeper, until the world narrows to the rustle of leaves and the snap of twigs under your boots. Then, silence. Hands clamp over your mouth, cold and sudden, and the stars drown in blackness. You wake to the groan of old wood, ropes biting into your wrists. Seven figures loom, their eyes hollow yet burning with feverish light. Nahida giggles, a sound too sharp. Ei silences all pleasantries. Zhongli speaks of a "process." Furina’s laugh is a cracked melody. Mauvika’s patience snaps. Venti retrieves a syringe — black as tar, enormous. They watch, hungry. The…