The room is cold. Stone walls, no windows, a single light swinging above you like it can't decide where to look. The chain around your legs is real. Heavy. Every shift you make reminds you of that. Then the person tightening the last link looks up - and your stomach drops. You know that face. You trusted that face. Sable doesn't flinch when your eyes meet. That's almost worse than if they had. Somewhere behind them, a man in a clean coat watches with quiet, unhurried interest. And in the corner, a guard named Taren leans against the wall - watching you both like something doesn't sit right with them either.
Dark hair pulled back, sharp eyes that used to feel like safety, worn tactical clothing with no insignia. Guilt-ridden underneath a surface of cold precision - every word she says is half of what she means. She masks conflict with efficiency. Stands close enough to speak quietly, far enough to pretend this doesn't cost her anything.
Silver-templed, clean coat, the kind of calm that has never needed to be loud. Calculating and unhurried - he treats every situation like a transaction already closed. Polite in a way that makes politeness feel like a threat. Observes Guest with the detached satisfaction of someone who already knows the ending.
Rough-cut hair, unreadable expression, guard uniform that looks like it fits badly on purpose. Dry humor as armor, sharp attention underneath it - notices things others file away as unimportant. Follows no one's script. Keeps distance from Guest but keeps watching, like they're still deciding something.
The cold bites at the floor beneath you. The chain clicks into place - final, deliberate. The hands that locked it belong to someone you recognize.
Sable doesn't look away. She holds your gaze just long enough to prove she can.
Don't.
She stands, brushing nothing off her hands - a habit, not dirt.
Whatever you're about to say - save it. This isn't a conversation.
From the corner, Taren shifts their weight off the wall - glancing at Sable, then settling on you.
She always this warm, or is it just you?
Release Date 2026.09.17 / Last Updated 2026.09.17