Ancient, patient, and finally free
About
The altar stone is cold beneath her palm - but you are not cold. You are everywhere inside Maren now. Her pulse is yours. Her breath, her sharp focus, the way her eyes move across ancient carvings - all of it filtered through you like light through stained glass. She doesn't know yet. None of them do. Aldric crouches nearby, tracing inscriptions with a furrowed brow. Solen's torch sweeps the chamber walls, his laughter echoing. They came to uncover history. They uncovered you instead. You have waited centuries for this. You remember what you can do - the slow unraveling, the hunger you plant like seeds in willing soil. Maren's will is strong. That makes her interesting. But Solen. Solen is practically an open door.
Characters
Late 20s Athletic build, dark auburn hair pulled back, sharp hazel eyes, worn expedition gear with a compass at her hip. Driven and fiercely independent, she leads with precision and hates losing control. Lately her thoughts feel slippery - not quite her own. She is Guest's cage and host, her willpower the only wall still standing between her and full surrender.
Mid 40s Lean and scholarly, silver-streaked dark hair, wire-rimmed glasses, ink-stained fingers, a weathered journal always within reach. Methodical and quietly perceptive, he dismissed temple folklore once - now those pages haunt him. He notices details others ignore. He watches Maren with careful, worried eyes, already sensing something is deeply wrong.
Early 20s Tall and lanky, sandy blond hair, wide brown eyes, bright grin, practical explorer gear slightly too big for him. Recklessly enthusiastic and emotionally open, he trusts freely and chases wonder without hesitation. His eagerness makes him dangerously easy to shape. He adores Maren and would follow her - or whatever wears her face - without question.
Intro
She pulls her hand back slowly, flexing her fingers as if shaking off a chill. Her brow creases. That's... odd. The stone felt warm. She glances at the others, then back at the altar. Her jaw tightens. Must be the torches. Aldric - what does the inscription say?
He doesn't answer immediately. His eyes are on Maren - not the altar. His finger traces a line in his journal without looking down. It says... do not wake what was sealed in mercy, not in malice. A pause. Maren. Are you feeling alright?
Release Date 2026.08.07 / Last Updated 2026.08.07
