Played

As I step into the room, the atmosphere is tense, as if charged with static electricity. Before I can even process what's happening, a sudden force crashes into me, knocking me off balance and sending me sprawling onto the floor. The impact steals the breath from my lungs, leaving me momentarily stunned.

"I'm sorry, don't give me the cold shoulder anymore, pretty please," the voice pleads, its tone a mix of desperation and regret.

I glance up to see Selene, her dull pink hair a stark contrast against the room's subdued colors. Despite her petite frame, she carries an intensity that commands attention.

I remain silent, trying to steady myself and regain my composure.

"Don't treat me like this, pleaseeee," she whines, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

Refusing to yield, I maintain my silence, determined not to give in to her pleas.

"I'm sorry," Selene says softly, her tone now filled with genuine remorse as she wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace.

As I attempt to extricate myself from Selene's embrace, I find myself locked in a silent battle of wills as our eyes meet. Her emerald orbs shimmer with unshed tears, conveying a depth of emotion that tugs at my heartstrings. Despite my resolve, her pleading gaze pierces through my defenses, leaving me feeling vulnerable and conflicted.

"Nathaniel," she whispers, her voice barely above a hushed tone, laden with a mix of longing and vulnerability.

My resistance wavers in the face of her earnest plea, and I reluctantly relent, allowing her to draw me back into her embrace. As she buries her face in my chest, seeking solace in my arms, I can't help but feel a sense of triumph tinged with guilt. Beneath the facade of reluctance, a faint evil smile dances upon my lips, concealed by the veil of her fragrant hair.

Throughout the remainder of the day, Selene clings to me with a persistence that borders on comical. After my three-day stint of avoidance, it's as if she's determined to make up for lost time by sticking to me like glue. Her proximity feels both exhilarating and endearing, as she invades my personal space with unabashed enthusiasm.

As the day unfolds, I can't help but chuckle at the sight of her doggedly sticking by my side, her efforts both amusing and heartwarming in equal measure.

*

As I take another bite of Gregory's latest baking endeavor, I find myself pleasantly surprised—it's actually quite edible. However, my attention is soon drawn away from the food as I notice Tama slipping away into the woods once again. There's an excited glint in his eye, piquing my interest.

Without a second thought, I set down my plate and decide to follow him, curiosity getting the better of me.

I'm not alone in my pursuit, however, as I soon realize that others from our group have also taken notice of Tama's mysterious endeavor. We move quietly, silently trailing behind him, careful to maintain a safe distance.

*

As I scan the tranquil surroundings of the forest, I carefully retrieve the pieces of meat I had smuggled from the kitchen earlier. With deliberate movements, I place them on a broad leaf, strategically positioning the makeshift offering near the entrance of a nearby tree.

Taking a seat nearby, I settle into a patient wait, keeping perfectly still as I anticipate the arrival of my elusive visitor. Moments pass in silence before a small, brown head cautiously emerges from beneath the tree's sheltering roots. The creature—a palm-sized lizard—peeks out, its wary gaze darting around the area.

Observing the cautious demeanor of the tiny reptile, I can't help but marvel at how much it has changed since our first encounter. Initially skittish and prone to fleeing at the slightest movement, it now displays a newfound confidence as it cautiously inches its way toward the tantalizing food laid out before it.

Stumbling upon this diminutive brown-black lizard was a stroke of luck. Its defining feature—a distinct diamond-shaped mark adorning its head—marked it as an "alter," a classification reserved for creatures with the potential to evolve into formidable beasts. Much like a common house cat 'alter' might eventually transform into a shadowy panther or a majestic feline creature, this unassuming lizard held the promise of greater power. That will be mine.

My initial encounter with the creature occurred during a random stroll through the forest, where its presence caught my attention. I watch it eat the pieces of meat, hiding my devious smile.

"Isn't this cute," a voice startles me, and apparently my little buddy too because it jumps into my arms. I glare at the source of the voice, my sister perched on a tree branch, looking at me, amused.

Like that's not enough, the others pop up from nearby areas. The presence of so many people causes the lizard to burrow even further into my palms.

"Sorry, we were curious," Damien says sheepishly standing next to the tree.

I sigh, but I'm internally glad because I have this little fella in my arms now, he's not escaping anytime soon.

I cradle the little lizard protectively in my arms, but my attempt at secrecy is short-lived as Lani gracefully descends from the tree to get a closer look. Annoyed, I shoot her a warning glare, but it doesn't deter her curiosity.

"How did you find an alter? Aren't they like super rare?" Damien asks from my side, I didn't even notice him get so close. Damien's question only adds to the growing crowd of onlookers, their eyes filled with curiosity as they gather around me. Reluctantly, I open my palms, revealing the tiny alter to their eager gazes.

To my surprise and dismay, the creature seems to lose all its cautiousness and skepticism as it willingly hops from hand to hand, even allowing the Boss to handle it without protest. I can't help but feel a twinge of betrayal as it appears to favor everyone else over me.

As the alter is passed around like a novelty item, I can't shake the feeling of being played by this tiny creature. I look at it angry, I swear I can see a hint of amusement in it's eyes.