Rey's body trembled as the strange sensation on his forehead lingered. The green-skinned girl had touched him again, her fingertip glowing with a faint silver light. A rune flared and vanished. For a moment, he thought it was just another strange power of this cursed realm.
But then—
"...How are you feeling?" she asked.
Her voice was clear, and shockingly... it was in his language.
Rey's eyes widened. "Y-You... You speak my—"
Before he could finish, a sudden flash of metal caught his eye. A blade—sharp, curved, and black like obsidian—was already pressing against his neck.
"I asked how you're feeling," she repeated, her voice cold now. "You don't get to ask questions."
Rey froze, every nerve screaming danger. Her face, which had moments ago looked emotionless, now showed a subtle intensity—calculating, almost curious. She wasn't trembling, wasn't angry. She was simply… in control.
His mind raced. If I say I'm human... if I say I came through the gate... I might not live to see another hour.
He took a slow breath. "I'm fine," he said, forcing a calmness he didn't feel. "I... I'm a monster. From the South."
Her brows twitched slightly. Not disbelief. Just... consideration.
"I belong to a minor wandering tribe," Rey continued. "We were driven away. I've been looking for a new home, far from danger. I'm not here to harm anyone."
Silence.
The blade still hovered at his throat. Her green fingers tightened on the hilt.
Then, with a flick, she pulled it back.
Rey let out a slow breath as the pressure vanished, but his body remained tense.
She stepped away, eyes never leaving him. "A monster, huh? One that looks strangely like the old humans written in the ruins."
Rey didn't reply.
She turned her back and said, "Rest. You'll need your strength. Whether you live or die... depends on what I decide."
As she walked away, Rey stared at the ceiling of the stone room, heart pounding.
That was close.
Too close.
But in the corner of the room, her back turned, the green-skinned girl whispered under her breath, "Liar."
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