Asher suddenly pushed himself to his feet, clapping his hands together like he'd just had a divine revelation.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, straightening his posture and lowering his voice into a dramatic register he had clearly stolen from Zane, "I challenge you all… to a game of Truth or Dare."
Zane blinked once.
Then smiled.
"Oh?" he said, lazily. "And what are the rules?"
Asher spread his arms wide. "There are none."
That earned him a look.
Mira was the first to stand, expression unreadable as always. "I'm in."
Celeste followed immediately, grinning. "Obviously."
All eyes turned to Luna.
She hesitated.
Her fingers twisted together, shoulders slightly hunched. The room felt louder suddenly—like everyone was waiting for her answer.
Zane noticed.
"You don't have to join," he said calmly. "No pressure."
That was the wrong thing to say.
Luna lifted her head, cheeks faintly pink but eyes firm.
"I'm not weak," she said quietly. Then, louder, "I'm in."
Asher's grin widened like he'd just won something.
"Excellent," he said, rubbing his hands together. "Then let the game begin."
They shifted into a loose circle on the floor, lantern light casting long shadows around them. Zane dropped back into his spot, arms behind his head, already looking far too comfortable for someone about to be interrogated.
"As the host," Asher continued, "I'll start us off."
He turned, dramatic pause included.
"Zane," he said. "Truth or dare?"
Zane's smile sharpened.
"…Truth."
Asher tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Zane.
"Hmmm," he said slowly. "I really thought you'd pick dare, to be honest."
Zane shrugged, completely relaxed. "Disappointing, I know."
Asher grinned, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Alright then. Truth."
He pointed at Zane.
"What's your honest opinion about everyone here," he said, sweeping his finger around the circle, "and what's your goal?"
The room went quiet.
Celeste stopped smiling.
Mira's gaze sharpened slightly.
Luna stiffened, clearly not expecting something that direct.
Zane didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he stared at the ceiling, watching the lantern light sway, his shadow stretching lazily beneath him. For a moment, it looked like he might dodge the question.
Then he sighed.
"Tch… you guys really don't play fair."
He sat up, resting his elbows on his knees now, silver-gray eyes moving from face to face.
"Asher," he began, "you're annoying."
Asher opened his mouth to protest, but Zane continued.
"But you're reliable. When things go bad, you don't freeze. You move. You joke too much, flirt too much, and pretend you don't care—but you do. A lot. You're the kind of guy I don't mind having at my back."
Asher blinked, then scoffed. "Wow. That was… unexpectedly heartfelt."
Zane moved on.
"Celeste," he said, "you're dangerous."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Not because of raw power," Zane added, "but because you understand things. You think before you act. Give you enough time and knowledge, and you could solve problems most people would just blow up."
Celeste smiled, clearly pleased. "I'll take that."
Zane's gaze shifted.
"Mira."
She met his eyes without flinching.
"You don't talk much, and you don't need to. You don't spar because you don't need practice—you already know how to end fights. You're experienced, disciplined, and terrifying when pushed." He paused. "I trust you."
That one landed heavier than the rest.
Mira looked away first. "Idiot."
Finally, Zane turned to Luna.
She tensed.
"You're not weak," he said immediately, voice calm but firm. "You're cautious. There's a difference. You see things others don't, and when you act, you do it precisely. Your light magic counters things most of us can't handle."
He smirked slightly.
"And you just proved you won't stay in the background forever."
Luna's face turned bright red again, but this time she smiled.
Silence settled over the group.
Asher coughed. "Okay… now I feel bad for making fun of you earlier."
Zane leaned back, hands behind his head once more.
"As for my goal?" he said casually.
His shadow stirred, barely noticeable.
"I want to get strong enough that no one gets to decide my life for me anymore."
The lantern flickered.
"And if that means breaking expectations," Zane added, eyes half-lidded, "then so be it."
No one laughed this time.
Asher was the first to break the silence.
"…Yeah. I definitely should've picked a lighter question."
Zane grinned.