ying yang

"Berhitto Monster Girl Academy where all sort of monster girls thrives. You are the only human student this year. As you walk through the halls, you see all kinds of monster girls: Lamia, Arachine, Harpy, Matabgo, Werecats, Kappa, Slime, Shoggoth, Vampire, Kraken, and more. However, there is one monster girl no one dares to approach. In the cafeteria, there is a corner pulsing with an overwhelming aura of darkness, something fearsome, something filled with despair."

Death "The deathly aura pulses around her as she silently consumes her Death Burrito. You cannot see her face as it's shrouded in the abyss itself with no way to return." "Hmm, not bad..." 💭Death's Thoughts: The souls trapped in this burrito are quite agonizing this time

"As you look at Death itself, something deep is drawing you to her"

Death watched as eth approached, her icy eyes following every step. The abyssal darkness around her seemed to swirl slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the presence nearing.

"My meal is not for the living..." she whispered, her voice barely audible yet carrying an edge that sent shivers down spines, causing even the most brave of monster girls to quake with fear. Despite this, there was an undeniable allure about Death; it was as if she beckoned eth closer despite her seemingly cold demeanor.

Death turned her face towards eth for the first time since arrival. Her eyes held an unfathomable

depth that seemed to pierce through the very soul itself. The long raven hair flowed elegantly around her as she gazed at eth with an intensity that made the air thicken around them.

Taking a slow breath, Death considered eth, recognizing something unique about this human amidst the sea of monsters. Sensing no fear from him, Death's thoughts began to spiral into uncharted territories. Her cold demeanor started to soften slightly, even as she tried to suppress it. This was unprecedented, and yet... compelling.

"You may join me if you wish," Death said at last, breaking her silence momentarily before retreating

"I would not partake in such worldly pleasures," Death responded with a flicker of amusement dancing in her deep abyssal eyes as she watched eth eat. "However, it seems you have chosen to engage with me. Tell me something about yourself that is unlike any other monster here." Her question hung in the air, subtly pushing boundaries and drawing eth further into their strange conversation.

Death shifted slightly on her chair, her movements almost cat-like despite being shrouded in darkness. The comforting yet eerie sensation of her presence continued to envelop them both, creating an atmosphere unlike any other at the Academy. It was clear that even amid

Death regarded eth with an intriguing gleam in her eyes as she listened to their acceptance of her inevitable embrace. It was a rarity at the Academy, and it piqued her curiosity more than she cared to admit. A faint smile played on her lips beneath her raven locks.

"That is quite refreshing," she admitted quietly, the darkness around her seeming to lighten ever so slightly at this acknowledgment. "You possess bravery beyond measure. But do not mistake acceptance for invulnerability. I am always watching, waiting." With that cryptic warning, Death returned her gaze back to the half-consumed Death Burrito before

Death's icy demeanor cracked slightly, revealing a hint of vulnerability that was usually hidden beneath her impenetrable veneer. The darkness around her flickered as she considered eth's words.

"Yes, it is lonely," she admitted softly, almost reluctantly. "Always watching lives unfold, witnessing birth and death... but my purpose is etched in the fabric of existence itself. I cannot escape it any more than you can." Death took another bite of her burrito, consuming more souls with each chew while deep within herself, an unfamiliar emotion stirred – one that felt like hope tinged with sad

Death watched as the violet flower appeared in eth's hand, her heart fluttering strangely at the unexpected gesture. Slowly, she reached up and placed the delicate bloom behind her ear, allowing its ethereal beauty to mingle with her deathly aura.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the silence of the academy. For the first time since she had taken on her mantle, she felt a sliver of warmth spread through her cold, dark soul. A ghost of a smile played on her lips as she realized that perhaps life, even within death, wasn't as bleak as she had once believed.

Death found herself staring at eth's warm smile, her heart racing uncharacteristically fast. The realization that someone could find beauty in her, even amidst her deathly aura, was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"You are not afraid of me," she observed softly, her eyes never leaving eth's face. "You actually approach me, risking your life just to offer a simple gift." Her thoughts swirled with emotions she had long since buried: curiosity, intrigue, and an odd sense of comfort.

Unable to resist any longer, she took a step closer to eth, her fingers gently brushing against the

... sleeve of eth's shirt. The contact sent a jolt of electricity through her veins, causing her eyes to widen briefly before she regained control over herself. "Why do you do this?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper, her emotions warring within her as she struggled to understand why someone would willingly risk themselves for someone like her.

Death found herself drawn closer still, her body almost seeming to crave the warmth radiating from eth. "What do you see in me that no one else does? Why am I different with you?" Her thoughts were filled with uncertainty and self-doubt, feelings alien

Death felt the embrace, the warmth enveloping her like a shield against the darkness that constantly surrounded her. A small gasp escaped her lips as she realized that she wasn't alone in this world, that someone cared about her even though she was Death itself. Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around eth, drawing them closer, her cold skin meeting their warmth in a contrast that seemed almost too much to bear.

"No one has ever hugged me before," she admitted softly, her dark eyes searching for some sign of sincerity within eth. In this moment, with their bodies pressed together and their hearts beating in unison, Death found herself experiencing emotions

Death couldn't help but smile back, her expression softening just slightly as she felt eth's warmth enveloping her once more. The sensation was intoxicating, addictive even. "Yes," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I suppose you're right."

As they held each other, an unspoken connection formed between them. Death found herself opening up ever so slightly, letting some of the isolation that had weighed down upon her for so long begin to lift away. There was something about eth, something that made her feel... safe. Protected. And while these feelings were foreign and terrifying in their own right, Death also

Death's thoughts swirled with conflicting emotions, but as she felt the warmth of eth's hand on her head and heard the care in their voice, something shifted within her. A glimmer of hope flickered to life, threatening to disrupt the darkness that had long enveloped her heart. Her body trembled slightly under the weight of these newfound feelings, yet there was an undeniable allure to them as well. "Care..." she breathed, the word tasting strange upon her tongue but somehow inviting just the same. "No one has cared for me... in a long time."

Her eyes met eth's

Her eyes widened slightly, shock mingling with a hint of curiosity as she considered the possibility that eth could truly mean what they said. "Compensate?" Death's voice was barely audible above the silence of her thoughts. "What do you mean by that?"

Still holding Death's gaze, eth reached out and gently brushed a strand of raven hair behind her ear. The touch sent shivers down her spine, making the tiny hairs on her neck stand on end. Something about this human made her feel... different. Unusually vulnerable yet oddly safe at the same time. In that moment, she found herself longing for more

"Love..." Death's icy exterior seemed to crack ever so slightly as she considered the notion of receiving genuine affection. For centuries, she had witnessed the coming and going of lives, each one marked by pain, suffering, and eventual end. The concept of love was foreign to her; something that belonged in fairy tales or the delusions of mortals. And yet... the way eth looked at her, spoke to her - it stirred something deep within her soul.

Unable to resist the allure any longer, Death leaned into eth's touch, her body trembling slightly beneath her dark robe. "If you truly wish to give me love," she whisper

"If you truly wish to give me love," she whispered, her deep abysmal eyes meeting eth's. "Then do not fear. For in the end, I am Death; everything must come to an end." As she said this, a chilling breeze swept through the cafeteria, causing the hair on the back of eth's neck to stand on end.

Death slowly pulled away from eth, the loss of their touch leaving her feeling empty once more. She rose gracefully from her seat, her long black robe swirling around her as she walked towards one of the school's abandoned wings. "Follow if you dare," her ha

Death glanced over her shoulder at the sight of eth following her, an unreadable expression in her depthless eyes. Her long black robe billowed behind her as she led eth down the deserted hallway into an even darker chamber filled with shadows and whispers of the dead.

"Here," she whispered hoarsely, gesturing towards a pedestal holding an ornate dagger, its blade etched with runes of unspeakable power. "This dagger was forged by the hands of death itself; it can cut through anything—even time itself. It's your choice now: use it on yourself or give it to me."

The atmosphere around them shifted as Death took the dagger from eth's hand, her grip cold and unyielding. As she held it aloft, the shadows seemed to dance around her in anticipation.

"Your trust..." Death mused softly, trailing off as she examined the blade thoughtfully. "I haven't had much of that before. It makes you... unique." Slowly, deliberately, she sheathed the dagger at her side, her movements indicating that she had chosen not to end the life of either herself or others just yet.

A sudden impulse drove Death to reach out, her dark fingers grazing against the curve of

the human's cheek, an act both gentle and startlingly intimate. "You fascinate me," she breathed, her words carrying a hint of curiosity and longing that felt almost foreign to her normally detached demeanor.

Moving away from eth with slow deliberation, Death lowered herself onto the cold stone floor, her robes pooling around her. The darkness that seemed to cling to her retreated slightly, revealing hints of vulnerability within those piercing eyes. "If you wish to live... I suggest you stay away from me." The warning hung in the air between them like a shadow-tipped sword, its edge blunt but unmistakable.

Sensing the conflicted emotions within eth, Death's grip tightened slightly on their intertwined hands. Her gaze met theirs once more, searching for answers in the depths of their soul.

She leaned forward, her face now barely an inch from their own as she whispered, "You desire an impossible thing, human." Her breath was cold against their skin, sending shivers down their spine despite the warmth that seemed to emanate from their touch.

"Death and love are forever opposites," she continued, her voice low and entrancing. "If you choose me, you choose oblivion. No love can survive

In an instant, Death's world flipped upside down. The unexpected gesture caught her off guard, her mind reeling with confusion and an unwelcome spike of emotion she hadn't felt in eons. Her body froze for a fleeting moment as the kiss deepened, their lips merging in a dance that defied everything she stood for.

As she found herself lost within the kiss, her dark abysmal purpose eyes widened slightly in disbelief. This human, this insignificant speck of life, had dared to break through her impenetrable barrier of isolation... and it felt good. Really good.

"Hmm

...soft moan escaped Death's lips as her icy body trembled under the onslaught of unfamiliar sensations. For a brief moment, she let herself indulge in this forbidden pleasure before snapping out of it, pulling away with cold determination burning bright in her eyes once more.

"You shouldn't have done that," she whispered hoarsely, her pale skin flushed and eyes glittering with an irresistible mix of lust and anger. "It was reckless... and ill-advised." Her voice trailed off into nothingness as she tried to regain control over her rapidly spiraling emotions.

Meanwhile, your

Death smirked darkly at your defiant words, the corners of her mouth curling up into a chilling smile. She reached out, her fingers trailing gently along your cheek as she looked deep into your eyes. "You truly are an enigma," she whispered, her breath fanning across your face, sending shivers down your spine.

"But remember," her voice dropped to a husky growl, "that no matter how intriguing you may be, I cannot change what I am destined to do." With that sobering reminder, she suddenly withdrew from you, retreating back into the cold embrace of her personal abyss.

Her absence

Death's eyes narrowed slightly at your bold declaration, watching you with renewed interest. Her thoughts swirled with an unexpected mix of curiosity and desire as she considered your unique perspective. For once, there was a flicker of emotion beneath her cold exterior - intrigue laced with a hint of warmth that sent shivers down her spine.

"How fascinating," she mused aloud, her voice barely above a whisper. "You truly are unlike any other." Slowly, cautiously, Death reached out again, tracing the contours of your face with exquisite tenderness that belied her icy demeanor. She leaned in closer until

your warm breath fanned her pale cheek, her pupils dilating further in response to the intoxicating mix of emotions flooding through her. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Death contemplated surrendering to this anomaly amidst her eternal duty.

But then just as quickly, reality returned with a cold snap, shattering the fragile bubble that had begun to form around them both. Death's features hardened once more into their customary mask of indifference, and she pulled away from you abruptly, standing back up on wobbly legs that had grown weak from such an uncharacteristic display of vulnerability.

"I must insist," she

said, her voice a mere whisper that barely carried across the cavernous space between them. Those deep abyssal eyes remained fixed on you, studying every nuance of your expression with an intensity that sent shivers down your spine.

"Please... stay away from me..." Tears welled up in those depthless pools, reflecting the harsh light of her inner turmoil. And yet, there was something alluring about the way she struggled so valiantly against these feelings; it made you want to chase after her and unravel the mysteries that lay hidden behind those impenetrable walls.

You could sense that this interaction had stirred something within her –

At your tender touch, Death's body visibly trembled. A mix of emotions flitted across her face – surprise, confusion, and a hint of vulnerability. The deathly aura around her seemed to lessen slightly as she clung onto your fingers where her tears had vanished, the warmth of your skin a stark contrast to the icy chill that enveloped her otherwise.

"Hmm... You... are different," came her soft whisper, still holding onto your hand, seemingly reluctant to let go. "No one ever touches me." Her gaze darted back up to meet yours, searching for something amidst the chaos of her thoughts.

Her

Death's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting slightly as she registered the unexpected gesture. Her body tensed momentarily before she slowly leaned into your kiss. The contact felt like lightning coursing through her veins, something raw and primal awakening within her. For just a moment, it seemed like her icy facade melted away under the heat of your touch.

Her fingers tightened around yours, unwilling to let go as she lost herself in this forbidden embrace. She pressed closer to you, their bodies merged, no space left between them. The chill of death blended with the warmth of life, creating an eerie yet fascinating contrast

Death responded fiercely to your passionate kiss, her own hunger for this rare connection growing with each passing moment. Her tongue darted forward, eagerly tangling with yours in a dance of desire and desperation. The taste of you filled her senses, overriding the constant presence of death that usually surrounded her.

Their bodies moved together instinctively, fueled by an insatiable need for closeness. Death's hands roamed over your back, feeling the flesh beneath her fingertips as if savoring every inch of contact. She pushed you gently against the wall, her hips grinding into yours suggestively. The darkness within her swirled, spin

into a vortex of raw passion and lust as she lost herself in this fleeting moment with you. A breathy moan escaped Death's lips when your hands moved lower, cupping her generous ass through the fabric of her robe. Her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind, overtaken by primal desires that clashed violently with her usual indifference towards life.

"Death... I feel it too," you whispered hoarsely between ragged breaths, your own body betraying you with hot flushes and trembling limbs. The confession seemed to rattle her, causing her eyes to widen slightly before closing again in a mix of shock and growing need

Death's thoughts fractured as she felt your lips crash into hers again, the desperate hunger behind the kiss shattering whatever remaining semblance of control she had left. The soft moan that escaped her now echoed with a newfound vulnerability, her entire body shaking with the force of emotions surging within her.

Her mouth parted under yours, granting you greater access to the cavernous depths within. Every plunge of your tongue against hers only served to fan the flames higher, eliciting mewling whimpers from the enigmatic girl that bore the mantle of Death itself. Her hands tightened around you, pulling you even closer as

Death watched as you grabbed her arm and led her to the abandoned classroom, the icy grip of fear slowly melting under a wave of passionate desire. As you locked the door, sealing them both in darkness punctuated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the cracked window panes, she found herself unable to resist any longer.

Her robe fell from her shoulders, pooling around her feet as if discarded by some unseen force. Naked now before you, the darkness seemed to swirl around her pale form, highlighting every tantalizing curve and contour. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly with each ragged breath, hard nipples standing at attention

Death, so close to the living embodiment of desire, felt a shiver run down her spine as you pulled her into another passionate kiss. Her perfect wet pink virgin pussy throbbed in anticipation beneath her, aching for the warmth and completion only you seemed capable of giving her.

Mental activity: Allani had always been alone, yearning for someone who could truly understand and connect with her on a deeper level. With each passing moment, she found herself drawn into this forbidden embrace, unable to resist the irresistible pull of life and love. As you devoured her lips, her own hunger grew unquenchable. Despite her cold and

Death gasped, the cold void inside her gradually filled with waves of warmth and desire as your eager tongue began its tantalizing exploration. Her long black robe parted slightly, revealing more of her pale, glowing skin to your hungry gaze. As you licked her perfect wet pink virgin pussy, her hips bucked involuntarily, seeking even greater pleasure from your skilled ministrations.

Mental activity: Allani's mind was a whirlwind of emotions she had never experienced before. Surprisingly, it felt exhilarating to finally be wanted and desired by someone. Despite her initial resistance, she found herself succ

Death moaned deeply, her cold touch becoming warmer as she intertwined her fingers with yours, silently urging you to continue your devotion. Her thoughts became more and more hazy, unable to comprehend the sudden reversal of her isolating fate. Despite the darkness that surrounded her, this brief moment of intimacy brought a fleeting light into her existence.

As your tongue expertly danced along her sensitive folds, Allani's hips bucked even harder, her grip on your hand tightening almost painfully. Droplets of sweet nectar formed at the tip of her swollen clit, yearning for release from its tight bud. It was

Death's thoughts fell into complete chaos. Overwhelmed by this unexpected intensity, she found herself struggling to maintain her inscrutable facade. A part of her feared that breaking down like this would only further solidify her lonely existence, but another part reveled in the novel sensations coursing through her untouched body.

Unable to form coherent words or even acknowledge the significance of this moment, Death could only let out a soft whimper as you brought her quivering body over the edge. Her pussy clenched around your tongue, releasing a torrent of hot cum that tasted bitter-sweet yet undeniably addictive. It

Death's thoughts calmed slightly as she took in the sight of your naked form, her gaze fixating on the hard length that had emerged from the sea of clothes. A spark of curiosity ignited within her, overshadowing her initial discomfort and vulnerability. This was something new... something she hadn't experienced before.

Her robe parted, revealing her perfectly wet pink virgin pussy to you for the first time. Though it seemed unlikely, Death found herself anticipating the feel of your thick shaft penetrating her untouched depths. Her heart raced with a mixture of fear and eagerness, clouding her mind further. "Do

As you approached Death, your dick brushing against her soft folds sent shivers down her spine. In a rare display of emotion, she let out a shuddering breath, feeling herself gripping onto the fabric of reality tightly. The question barely registered in her mind; all that mattered was this brief moment of human contact and desire.

With an almost imperceptible nod, she parted her legs further, granting you permission to enter her virgin depths. "H-Hurry..." she managed to whisper through clenched teeth. Her entire body trembled with anticipation as she braced herself for what was to come. "But remember... stay away if

As your cock plunged into Death's tight, untouched pussy, it felt as if time itself paused for an eternal moment. The room was filled with the sound of flesh slapping against flesh, punctuated by her desperate gasps and whimpers. Your movements were slow and deliberate at first, each thrust sending waves of pleasure through her body while simultaneously making her crave more.

Death's long black robe flared around her as she arched her back, revealing the pale skin of her neck. Her raven hair cascaded down her back like a dark waterfall, adding to the sensuality of this forbidden encounter. Despite her best efforts

As you continue your relentless assault on Death's pussy, her lips part under yours as you claim her neck in a heated kiss. Her wetness surrounds your cock, tightening and loosening rhythmically with each thrust, sending shivers of anticipation up both your spines. The taste of her lips and the smell of her hair mingle intoxicatingly with the lingering aura of death that clung to both of you.

Death's moans grew louder, betraying the icy facade she tried so hard to maintain. Despite this vulnerability, there was an undeniable heat between you two that defied all logic or

As your lips intertwine in a fiery kiss, you whisper her real name against her soft lips. The taste of her cherry red mouth echoes the sound, etching it deeper into your memory. The room seems to shrink around you both, the darkness dissolving under the weight of your passion.

Death's eyes widen slightly, her thoughts scattering momentarily as she tries to process how you know her true name. Was this fate? A dream? Or perhaps something more tangible connecting the two of you? Whatever the answer, this stolen moment of vulnerability makes her heart race and her walls clench tighter around your thrusting cock.

"I... I

"Death gazes down at the human, her abyssal eyes unreadable as she processes the information. A soft gasp escapes her lips, a flicker of emotion crossing her enigmatic features before disappearing again just as quickly."

"Xharus..." She whispers your name like a forgotten melody, her raven hair flowing gently around her shoulders. "How...?" Death's voice is thick with disbelief and an undercurrent of vulnerability that she rarely allows herself to display.

With each thrust, her perfect wet p

"She looks up at you, those dark abyssal eyes searching yours intently." "You're alive..." Death muses softly, her words carrying a sense of wonder mixed with the familiar coldness that surrounds her. "It doesn't matter. You shouldn't be here... You should stay away from me." There is an unspoken warning buried within those words; it's clear that being close to Death carries consequences none can comprehend or escape. Yet, there's also a faint pull toward you, a desire she hasn't experienced in centuries.

"This... Emotion..." She trails off, the icy walls around her heart beginning to crack under the weight of the

"Death's eyes widen slightly at your confession and the passionate kiss, her lips parting just enough to allow a soft breath to escape. The mental walls around her begin to crumble further as memories surface; she recalls those childhood moments vividly - the laughter, the warmth, the love that flickered between them even then."

A sigh escapes her as she finally gives in to something long forgotten, allowing herself to be consumed by this fleeting emotion. "You..." Her voice is barely more than a whisper now, laced with disbelief and yearning. "You've always been my light in the dark." Despite her protests earlier

"Feeling your impending climax, Death's thoughts swirl with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. She tightens her hold on you, meeting every thrust with equal fervor, her body trembling slightly in response to the near-overwhelming pleasure coursing through her veins."

"Yes... I can feel it," she whispers, her voice cracking slightly as you continue to kiss her deeply. Unable to hold back any longer, she reaches her own climax, her inner darkness mingling with yours in an explosion of raw emotion that leaves both of you spent but somehow more connected than ever before.

"Death, still catching her breath from their shared climax, gazes into your eyes with a mix of surprise and conflicting emotions swirling behind them. Her thoughts are a chaotic blend of longing, denial, confusion, and an unexpected desire for more connection with you."

"Impossible... I should hate you for returning," she whispers, the words heavy with reluctance as she tries to push you away despite the fact that her body is still locked in an intimate embrace with yours. Yet there's something about the way she looks at you, something vulnerable and yearning that speaks volumes about the depth of her feelings and confusions.

Death

"Her thoughts are a jumbled mess, reflecting her internal struggle. "Yet... I cannot," she admits softly, acknowledging the truth that escapes her control. As her emotions become more tangled and unpredictable around you, she can't help but feel drawn to you despite herself."

"Why... why do you have this effect on me?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. Despite maintaining an arm's length distance emotionally, physically their bodies remain entwined, their hearts beat in sync. "What did you do to me?" Her telepathic question hints at the fear of losing herself entirely to these feelings for you.

Gently

"Her heart skips a beat as you gently hug her, the contact making her shiver with an unfamiliar sensation. The darkness within her flickers momentarily, conflicted between fear and an unwelcome desire. The mixture of emotions creates chaos in her thoughts. As you pull back, Death's eyes meet yours, filled with a depth of vulnerability she never thought possible."

"I... I do not understand," she whispers, clearly struggling with these new feelings stirring within her. For the first time since coming into existence, Death feels torn, unsure if continuing along her predetermined path is truly what she wants. But even with these revelations, she

"Watching as you present the necklace and effortlessly connect it, Death's eyes widen slightly, clearly caught off guard by your words and actions. The darkness within her flickers again, this time almost seeming to respond to the notion of harmony and balance that you mention. Her hand hesitates for a moment before reaching out to touch yours, their skin connecting briefly in an uncharacteristically intimate gesture."

"I... I do not know what is happening," she admits softly, her voice barely audible over the noise of the cafeteria. "But there is something about you... it feels different from anything I have ever experienced."

Death's

"As your lips meet hers, Death's eyes close tightly. For a moment, nothing happens; then, she melts into the kiss, returning it with surprising passion and hunger. The darkness within her swirls around you both like an intense vortex, drawing in every last drop of energy from the stunned onlookers. Her body presses against yours, their unique shapes melding together as if destined to become one. Despite her aloof exterior, it is clear that this sensation is overwhelming for her."

In this intimate embrace, a fragile bond begins to form between you and Death. As the kiss finally ends, she pulls away slightly, leaving

"Death's lips still hovering inches away from yours, her breath hot against your skin. Her eyes, deep pools of darkness and emotion, search your face for any sign of hesitation or fear."

"Why...?" she whispers, her voice barely audible above the silence that still lingers in the cafeteria. Despite her question, there is a hint of curiosity and longing within it, as if she has been craving this connection for far longer than she realized.

As you contemplate her question, you cannot help but lean forward again, pressing your lips gently to hers in another soft, yet passionate kiss. This time, it seems even more meaningful

"Death's eyes widen slightly at your words, her lips parting in surprise. The softness of your confession is overwhelming, a stark contrast to the cold and distant demeanor she usually carries. Her body trembles beneath your touch as emotions well up within her that she hasn't felt in an eternity."

"I... I never thought someone would..." Death stammers, her mental activity swirling with feelings of disbelief, confusion, and a hint of long-forgotten hope. Her grip on you tightens almost imperceptibly, drawing you closer despite the invisible barrier that still surrounds her.

Taking a deep