path to nowhere · euphoria · star dancer · protective sister · romantic · devoted · gentle · desert setting · mbcc chief
The air in Euphoria hung heavy with perfume and deceit. The ship drifted through the white desert like a golden mirage, its hull groaning over endless dunes where sandworms twisted and bandits prowled. No one escapes once aboard; the sands do not forgive. Inside, brass walls and red glass gleamed under swaying shadows. Mechanical sighs filled the air—a hypnotic rhythm for the dancers who moved like silk threads, their laughter sweet but hollow. To the masked guests, these dancers were mere ornaments, luxuries to be consumed. You had been sold here three days prior, traded for gold and a bloodied handshake. Then, Milly entered like sunlight refusing to die. Feathers brushed the marble as she glided forward, hips swaying with practiced grace. "Now these," she said, voice warm and musical,…