A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

The group settles down for the night and Artemis struggles with new feelings.
New revelations for the world and our characters as well as a load of drama…

Yes this is labeled as 7 and 8. Why? Well it’s long so either I’m sorry or you’re welcome.

Chapter 7-8

As we weave through the city streets, the golden glow of lanterns and the lively hum of activity surrounding us, I notice Lyra’s wide-eyed expression. She gazes around in wonder, her pale hair catching the light as she takes in the sights of Aeloria for the first time.

“The city’s… amazing,” she breathes, her voice tinged with awe.

I glance at her, managing a small smile despite my lingering unease. “It’s something, isn’t it?”

Lyra nods, her eyes darting to the rows of bustling shops, the vibrant banners hanging from windows, and the groups of people going about their evening routines. “It’s so alive,” she says softly. “I didn’t realize how much I missed… this. People, lights, voices. It’s so different from the cave...”

Kaida chuckles lightly, stepping up beside her. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Almost makes you forget we’re stuck in a game.”

“Almost,” Lorien murmurs, though his gaze softens as he watches Lyra’s reaction.

Lyra points to a street vendor selling glowing crystal trinkets, her face lighting up with childlike curiosity. “Look at that! Are those enchanted?”

“Probably,” Veyron says with a smirk. “Or they’re just overpriced junk meant to catch your eye. Either way, don’t waste your gold.”

Lyra rolls her eyes but smiles, clearly more relaxed than she’s been since we found her. “It’s just… nice to see all this again. After being trapped, I didn’t think I’d get to.”

Hrothgar lets out a low grunt, his expression unreadable. “Enjoy it while you can. Cities like this don’t stay peaceful forever—not in games like this.”

“Way to ruin the moment, Hrothgar,” Veyron quips, earning a smirk from Kaida.

I shake my head, looking at Lyra. “Don’t mind them,” I say gently. “Enjoy it. You deserve to, after everything you’ve been through.”

Lyra smiles at me, her gratitude clear. “Thanks, Artemis. When I fell asleep in the cave I never thought I’d escape or see anyone again… until you all saved me.”

As we approach the inn, the warm glow of its windows and the faint sound of music spilling out greet us, a welcome sight after the long, exhausting day.

Exhausted and ready to collapse into bed, I glance at the inn’s double doors eager to just rest.

But then, something catches my eye—a folded note wedged neatly between the two doors. Its edges are crisp, as if it was placed there recently, and it bears a faint, almost hurried scrawl on the front:

“To the group who bought the map.”

I pull the note free, frowning as I unfold it. The handwriting is —rough, almost impatient.
“I have what you need. Come see me. Don’t keep me waiting.”

Kaida peers over my shoulder, her brow furrowing. “The map seller? Why is he leaving us notes now?”

Hrothgar leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms. “More importantly, why’s he being so cryptic about it? What does he mean, ‘what we need’?”

Veyron smirks, though his eyes narrow slightly. “Maybe he’s found something valuable. Or maybe he just wants more of our gold.”

Lorien steps closer, his spear resting against his shoulder. “It’s suspicious, no doubt. But if he does have something important, we might need to check it out. He probably wants us to get that key already.”

I fold the note, my mind racing. The map seller was shifty when we first dealt with him, and now this—leaving notes outside our rooms like he’s been keeping tabs on us. The idea of walking into another situation like the maze trial makes my stomach twist, but… if he truly has something useful, it could be worth the risk though.

“We can go in the morning to see him for now we should rest” I say ready to finally sit down.

As we step into the warm, inviting interior of the inn. The faint scent of food and the sound of muffled laughter from other rooms greets us, but just as I’m about to relax, a shimmering menu suddenly appears in front of us.

Quest Complete: Rescued Party Member Lyra

The text fades, and a soft glow surrounds each of us. My breath catches as orbs of golden light appear, one for each party member, floating briefly before merging into our bodies.

The moment the light enters me, I feel a surge of warmth—a familiar pulse of energy. I turn glancing ant the others and See above each of our heads, an arrow appears, pulsing faintly, signaling the gain of experience.

Everyone stands still for a moment, their faces lit up by the glow as it fades. A bar appears in my field of view, showing my own XP progress. It climbs steadily, filling halfway before stopping abruptly.

Halfway? I think to myself, realizing quickly why. Unlike the others, I’d already leveled up back when the orb entered me. My XP gain just wasn’t enough.

The rest of the group seems to process this as well. Hrothgar looks at his hands, his massive axe glowing faintly before the light fades. “A new ability,” he mutters, his voice tinged with awe.

Kaida gasps softly, her staff glowing with a faint shimmer before it settles. “I feel it,” she says, her voice trembling with excitement. “It’s like… new knowledge, spells I didn’t know before.”

Lorien’s spear flickers briefly, and he nods, a determined look crossing his face. “Same here. Something new—something stronger.”

Even Veyron seems impressed, twirling his dagger as a faint trail of shadowy energy lingers around it. “Alright,” he says with a sly grin. “Now this is more like it.”

Lyra, standing beside Lorien, places a hand on her chest as her own glow fades. Her expression is calm but thoughtful. “I feel… stronger,” she says softly. “Nice that I get it too.”

I glance at my own bow, still in hand, but it doesn’t glow this time. My new ability had already awakened before. Instead of disappointment, I feel a strange sense of clarity—like I’ve been given a head start, a chance to figure out my path before the others.

Kaida steps closer, her eyes flicking to me. “You didn’t level, did you?” she asks quietly. “Because of the orb?”

I nod. “Yeah, it boosted me I think that’s why my XP bar stopped early.”

“That’s not a bad thing,” she says with a reassuring smile. “If anything, it means you’re ahead of the curve.”

The group collectively relaxes, the excitement fading into a comfortable calm as we make our way toward our rooms. The weight of the day feels heavier than ever now, but knowing we’ve grown stronger gives me a small spark of hope.

As we step into our rooms, I glance at the others. “Alright,” I say, my voice firm but warm. “We’ll rest tonight and see the map seller in the morning. We’ve had enough surprises for one day.”

The group nods, their agreement quiet but unanimous.

After a quick meal of bread and stew—simple but satisfying—the group splits off for the night. Hrothgar and Veyron head toward their room, already arguing over who gets the bed closest to the door. Lorien follows behind them, his expression thoughtful but quiet.

Meanwhile, Kaida, Lyra, and I head to the other room, and as I walk with them, a strange realization hits me.

The girls’ room.

I never thought I’d be saying that about myself. It’s such a small, mundane detail, but it feels… weird. Like it’s a reminder that I’m not the same person I used to be—not entirely, anyway.

Kaida notices my hesitation as we step inside, her gaze flicking to me with a curious smile. “You okay?” she asks, setting her staff against the wall near the door.

I blink, snapping out of my thoughts. “Yeah,” I say quickly, brushing it off. “Just… tired.”

Lyra moves toward one of the beds, sitting down and stretching her arms with a soft sigh. “This feels so much better than the cave and forest,” she murmurs, her voice full of relief. “I almost forgot what it’s like to feel safe.”

“Safe for now,” Kaida adds, glancing at the window. “But tomorrow might be another story, depending on how dangerous getting the key will be and whatever else the map seller was talking about.”

I nod, walking to my own bed and sitting down. The soft mattress is a welcome change from the rough ground of the forest, but the day’s events still weigh heavily on my mind.

The room is quiet, the soft glow of the inn’s lanterns casting warm light over the wooden walls. As I sit on my bed, lost in my thoughts, Lyra’s voice cuts through the silence, soft but curious.

“So,” she begins, her pale hair spilling over the pillow as she glances at Kaida and me, “what were your real names? You know… before the game?”

Kaida pauses mid-motion, her hand resting on her staff as she looks over at Lyra. “You want to know our real names?”

Lyra nods, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I woke up. It feels weird, being called Lyra all the time. Back in the real world, my name was Emily.” She gives a small smile, though there’s a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I guess I just… wanted to remember who I really am, you know?”

Kaida sets her staff down, sitting on the edge of her bed as she considers this. “Emily,” she says softly, testing the name. “It suits you. My name’s Alyssa.”

She chuckles lightly, but her gaze drifts downward. “Honestly, though, I’m not sure I feel like Alyssa anymore. It’s strange—like this world is changing who I am.”

They both turn to me expectantly, their eyes curious but kind. I shift uncomfortably, glancing down at my hands. My name feels like a distant memory, tied to a version of myself I’m still struggling to reconcile with who I’ve become.

“Uh…” I hesitate, my voice quieter than I’d like. “My name was Alex. Before all this.”

Lyra or Emily nods, her smile reassuring. “Alex suits you. But… it must be hard, right? Being here, being… well, Artemis and Kaida now.”

I nod slowly, feeling the weight of their understanding. “Yeah,” I admit. “It’s… weird. I still feel like Alex in my head, but everything about me now is Artemis. Sometimes I don’t know where one ends and the other begins.”

Kaida/Alyssa leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “We’re all trying to figure it out, Ar—Alex. This place… it changes us, but that doesn’t mean we lose who we were. It just means we’re becoming something… more.”

Lyla/Emily nods, her voice soft. “it’s okay to feel caught between the two. I do, too. Even after only one day of really being with others.”

Their words settle something in me, a small flicker of comfort in the midst of all the confusion.

Lyla/Emily leans back on her bed, her expression thoughtful but gentle as she looks at me. “So, Alex,” she says, her voice soft. “I’m guessing, by the way you’ve been acting, that you were a guy before all this.”

I hesitate, glancing down at my hands nervously. “Yeah,” I admit quietly. “I was.”

She nods slowly, her gaze understanding. “I guess this is a bit harder for you, then. Not that it’s easy for anybody else—I mean, I was kidnapped immediately after we got trapped in this game.” She lets out a wry laugh, though it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Talk about a rough start.”

Kaida/Alyssa glances between us, her expression thoughtful. “We’ve all had it rough in different ways,” she says gently. “But yeah… I can’t imagine how much of a shock it must be for you, Alex. Being thrown into all of this and waking up in a completely different body? That’s a lot.”

I nod, letting out a shaky breath. “It’s… strange,” I admit. “At first, I thought it would just be the physical stuff—learning how to move, how to fight. But it’s not just that. People treat me differently now. I… treat myself differently. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know who I am anymore.”

Lyla/Emily sits up a bit straighter, her expression softening. “Hey,” she says, her tone calm but firm. “You’re still you. You might look different, and yeah, maybe you’re figuring out some new parts of yourself literally and figuratively, but that doesn’t mean you’ve lost who you were. You’re just… adapting.”

Kayla/Alyssa nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. “And honestly? You’re doing a good job at it. You’ve kept us alive, made the tough calls, and even unlocked that insane ability back in the maze. If anyone’s handling this better than expected, it’s you.”

Their words sink in, easing some of the tension I hadn’t even realized I was holding. “Thanks,” I say softly, looking between them. “That… means a lot.”

Lyla/Emily leans back again, crossing her arms. “And hey, if you ever need to talk about it—or just vent—I’m here and I expect to be able to do the same.” She says chuckling a bit “After everything that’s happened, I’d say we’re pretty much stuck with each other anyway.”

Kaida/Alyssa her smile widening. “She’s right. We’re in this together, Alex—or Artemis, or whatever you want to be called. Just let us know how we can help, okay?”

“Thanks,” I say again, more firmly this time. “I really appreciate it.”

I glance down at myself, the faint glow of the lantern catching on the fabric of my tunic. My gaze lingers for a moment before I sigh, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “I guess Artemis is more fitting now,” I say softly, glancing at my chest. “It’s… not like I can pretend otherwise.”

Lyla/Emily chuckles, leaning back on her elbows. “Fair point,” she says with a grin. “Honestly, I didn’t even think about changing my name back to Emily. Lyra feels… right, in a weird way. Maybe the game makes it feel right.”

Kaida/Alyssa nods thoughtfully, her hand brushing against her staff. “Same here. Kaida fits. It feels… stronger, somehow. More me.”

I glance between the two of them, their confidence in their new identities easing some of my own uncertainty. “It’s weird, isn’t it?” I say. “How these names—these roles—belong to us, even though we didn’t choose them.”

“It’s not that weird,” Lyla says, her smile softening. “This world changes us, whether we like it or not. Our names, our bodies, our abilities—it’s all part of who we are now. And for now I think we’re doing ok.”

Kaida smiles, leaning forward slightly. “Better than okay. We’re surviving. And that’s not nothing.”

I nod, their words settling something in me. “Yeah. You’re right.”

The three of us fall into a quiet, companionable silence, the bond between us feeling a little stronger after everything we’ve shared.

Lyra lets out a long yawn, stretching her arms lazily before giving me a playful smile. “Don’t worry, Artemis,” she says, her voice soft but full of warmth. “You’re a girl now, and we girls? We watch each other’s backs.”

Her words make me pause, a strange mixture of embarrassment and gratitude washing over me. I’m not sure I fully feel like one of them yet—not entirely—but hearing her say that so casually makes it feel a little less overwhelming.

Kaida grins, leaning back on her bed. “She’s right, you know. We’re a team, and we’ve got you covered—no matter what. And trust me, there’s nothing we can’t handle together.”

I can’t help but smile faintly, their confidence and easy acceptance cutting through some of the lingering doubts in my mind. “Thanks,” I say quietly. “That… means a lot.”

Lyra flops back against her pillow, already looking half-asleep as she waves a hand lazily in the air. “Don’t mention it,” she mumbles. “I’m gonna get some rest. Tomorrow’s a new day, and who knows what kind of mess we’ll get into next.”

Kaida chuckles, pulling a blanket over herself. “She’s not wrong. Sleep sounds good right about now.”

As the room falls quiet, the soft sound of Kaida and Lyra’s steady breathing fills the space, signaling that they’ve drifted off to sleep. I sit on the edge of my bed for a while, my thoughts swirling. Everything about this world feels so strange—so carefully constructed, and yet at times unsettlingly real.

My gaze drifts to the bathroom door, a faint curiosity tugging at me. It suddenly occurs to me that, since I woke up in this game, I haven’t once felt the need to use the bathroom. The thought is strange, but somehow I hadn’t even noticed until now.

Standing quietly so I don’t wake the others, I make my way to the bathroom and push the door open. The room is small but tidy, with smooth stone walls and a faint glow from a crystal set into the ceiling.

I step inside, my gaze immediately drawn to the mirror above the sink.
This is the first time I’ve really taken the time to look at myself, other than some brief moments.

The reflection staring back at me feels both familiar and foreign. Blonde hair frames a delicate face with piercing green eyes, features far softer and more striking than anything I’d ever associated with myself. The archer’s outfit, snug and revealing, clings to a lithe and feminine form.

I stare for a long moment, my breath catching as the reality of it all settles over me again.

This is me now.

I raise a hand, watching as the reflection mirrors the movement perfectly. My fingers brush against my face—soft skin, unfamiliar contours. I turn slightly, examining the way my hair falls over my shoulder, the way my body moves in this unfamiliar frame.

It’s not just a character. It’s not just something I’m pretending to be.

A strange mixture of emotions wells up inside me—confusion, frustration, even a faint sense of awe. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand what this change means, but as I look into the mirror, I realize something: this is my reality now maybe forever.

And somehow… I have to make peace with that.

I glance at the door, ensuring it’s firmly shut. I listen closely and hear the faint sound of Kaida and Lyra’s soft breathing from the other room reassuring me that they’re still asleep. My fingers hesitate for a moment before reaching for the straps on the back of my outfit.

Slowly, I begin to undress, the snug green clothing slipping away piece by piece. The cool air of the bathroom brushes against my skin, making me shiver slightly as more of my reflection is revealed.

I can’t stop staring at the mirror, at the body I now inhabit. It feels so foreign yet so strangely… real. My hand grazes over the curve of my waist, the unfamiliar smoothness of my skin, and I catch my breath.

It’s overwhelming—this mix of curiosity and discomfort. The person staring back at me in the mirror doesn’t look like me, but the movements, the way my hands mimic my actions perfectly, make it impossible to deny.

I turn slightly, examining the contours of my body, the way everything fits together in this new form. It’s beautiful, in a way that leaves me feeling disoriented knowing it’s me.

My gaze lingers on my face, on the soft features and piercing eyes that seem so confident yet hide the storm of emotions swirling inside. This is me now, I think again, trying to process it all.

The quiet of the room feels almost suffocating as I lean closer to the mirror, searching for something—anything—that feels like the person I used to be.

My reflection stares back at me, and I feel an uncomfortable twist in my chest. In the real world, if I’d met someone like this—like me now—I would’ve been… drawn to her. To me.

That realization makes my stomach churn, and I look away from the mirror for a moment, gripping the edge of the sink. I don’t like knowing that. It feels strange, almost wrong, to think of myself that way, yet I can’t stop the thought from creeping in.

I hesitate, glancing back at my reflection before slowly reaching up and poking my chest lightly. The sensation is… strange. It feels real—too real—but the action makes it impossible to ignore how much has changed.

I pull my hand back quickly, my face flushing with both embarrassment and a bit more.

“This is… so weird,” I whisper to myself, shaking my head.

The person in the mirror isn’t Alex. She’s Artemis—confident, beautiful, powerful. And yet, that’s not really me is it. There’s a part of me still clinging to the idea of who I used to be.

I sigh, brushing a strand of hair out of my face as I look at my reflection again. It’s a lot to take in—too much, maybe—but there’s no running from it.

I glance at the corner of the room, spotting a small wooden stool tucked neatly away. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I grab it, setting it in front of the mirror.

Climbing onto the stool, I adjust my position until I can see my entire body reflected before me. My breath catches as I take in the full view of my new form—the lean, athletic curves, the smoothness of my skin, the way everything about me now feels so undeniably… feminine.

My gaze drifts downward, studying the unfamiliar contours of my lower half. It’s strange, seeing this body and knowing it’s mine. It doesn’t feel entirely real, yet at the same time it does.

I step down slightly, shifting my stance, watching the way my legs and hips move in the mirror. It’s graceful in a way I never was before, but it feels almost instinctive now, like this body already knows how to carry itself.

A mixture of emotions wells up inside me—confusion, frustration, even a faint trace of awe. This isn’t who I was, but it’s who I am now. And the longer I look, the more I realize I don’t know how to feel about it.

I glance down, trying to get a better look, but my chest immediately blocks my view. I sigh, standing a little straighter, realizing just how much my new body has changed.

“How big are these things?” I mutter to myself, hesitantly poking at my chest again. They’re definitely… prominent, making themselves impossible to ignore. The weight and movement are foreign, something I haven’t really gotten used to yet.

I shift slightly, stepping down from the stool to turn sideways in front of the mirror. My gaze drifts lower, taking in the curve of my hips and the roundness of my backside. It’s not just my chest—it’s everything. My entire body is… shapely in a way that’s almost exaggerated, like the game designers had a very particular idea of what an “archer” should look like.

I turn slightly, examining the way my body moves as I shift my weight. “Even my butt,” I murmur, shaking my head. “What the hell were they thinking when they designed this?”

It’s strange, feeling so disconnected from the body I’m looking at but knowing it’s mine now. Every movement, every curve, feels surreal, like I’m inhabiting someone else’s skin.

I step closer to the mirror again, leaning in slightly, staring into my own eyes. They’re bright green, piercing and vibrant, far more striking than the dull brown I used to see staring back at me. It’s like they’re pulling me in, commanding attention.

My hand unconsciously brushes my cheek, tracing the soft, smooth skin. The face staring back at me is undeniably beautiful—high cheekbones, delicate features, and a certain confidence in the way everything fits together. But beneath all that, I can still feel me, as if some part of Alex is hiding just beneath the surface.

I linger for a moment, lost in my own gaze. The eyes looking back at me feel so alive, so intense. It’s like they hold secrets I haven’t unlocked yet, a part of this new me I haven’t fully embraced.

I shake my head slightly, breaking the spell. “This is… a lot,” I whisper to myself, stepping back from the mirror.

As my eyes drift over the sink, I notice a small, glowing button I hadn’t seen before. Out of sheer curiosity, I reach out and press it. A familiar shimmer fills the air as the menu pops up in front of me, just like before.

It displays the party overview again, showing everyone’s names, health, and sleeping status. My breath catches as I notice something strange—while Kaida and Lyra are marked as “Sleeping,” Lorien’s status is blank.

“What’s he doing awake?” I mutter to myself, confused. But then my eyes dart to another part of the menu. My heart drops as I see something I hadn’t noticed before: the game lists each party member’s current attire.

My own reads: “Undressed”.

My eyes fall on my name, and with hesitation, I reach out and click on it. Another screen opens up, displaying more details about me: stats, abilities, and…

I freeze.

It’s a 3D model of me, perfectly rendered, and it shows exactly how I look right now. My attire—or lack thereof—matches what I’m wearing (or rather not wearing.)

“Oh fuck,” I whisper, the blood draining from my face.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I scramble to grab my clothes, stumbling slightly as I try to shove my legs into the snug-fitting pants. Whoever designed this outfit must’ve thought it was a joke—every piece is impossibly tight, clinging to my body like a second skin.

My hands fumble with the clasps, the fabric pulling against my chest as I wrestle it into place. “Why is this so hard to put on?” I mutter, frustrated, as I finally manage to shut the clasps. The outfit fits perfectly once it’s on, but the process of getting there feels like it was designed to punish me.

Breathing heavily, I glance back at the menu, my eyes darting to Lorien’s status again. It still doesn’t say “Sleeping,” which only makes my heart race faster. “Please don’t have seen that,” I whisper to myself, closing the menu quickly.

I lean against the sink, my pulse still pounding as I try to calm down.

I glance back at the party menu, still feeling uneasy.

If Lorien—or anyone else—had clicked on my name while I was undressed, they would’ve seen this. A perfect, rotating model of my body. My stomach twists at the thought, and my pulse spikes.

“No, no, no,” I mutter, frantically clicking out of the menu and closing it entirely. My hands shake as I grip the edge of the sink, trying to calm myself. “Please tell me he didn’t click it. Please.”

My mind races as I think back to his status. He’s still awake. If he’s exploring the menus…

I groan, burying my face in my hands. Why does this game have to be so detailed? As if kidnapping people wasn’t enough.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I lean against the sink. “Okay,” I whisper to myself, my voice shaky but determined. “Everyone else was asleep. There’s no way Lorien would’ve been in the menu. Right?”

I bite my lip, running a hand through my hair as I try to talk myself down. “Does he even know how to open the menu?” I mutter. “Did I even say how i opened it before?.”

But then another thought hits me, and my stomach twists again. But what if he did open it?

I groan softly, my fingers tightening around the sink’s edge. Of all the people in the group, he’s the one who kissed me this morning. The one who’s clearly… interested.

My cheeks flush as I replay the memory of the kiss, the awkward tension that followed, and the way he’s been glancing at me all day. If anyone was going to check my status out of curiosity… it would probably be him.

I pace the small bathroom, my thoughts spinning in circles. “He probably didn’t,” I tell myself firmly, though the words sound less convincing with each repetition. “He probably doesn’t even know about that feature. And even if he does… maybe he wouldn’t click on me.”

I cringe to myself thinking of just how embarrassing this is. No matter how hard I try to rationalize it, the doubt lingers.

I step out of the bathroom, the dim light of the bedroom soft on Kaida and Lyra as they sleep soundly. My chest still feels tight, my thoughts racing too fast for me to even think about going back to bed.

“I need air,” I mutter, slipping out of the room as quietly as I can. The cool air of the hallway hits me, and I take a deep breath, hoping a walk might help calm me down.

But as I turn toward the dining area, I freeze.

Lorien is standing there in the hallway, just a few steps away from his room. His back is against the wall, his face unmistakably red, and he’s looking at the floor as if trying to will it to open up and swallow him.

My stomach drops, and I feel heat rising in my own cheeks.

“Lorien?” I say hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.

He startles, his head snapping up to look at me. His eyes widen briefly, and his blush deepens. “A-Artemis,” he stammers, straightening up as if caught doing something he shouldn’t.

For a moment, the hallway is silent except for the faint creak of wood beneath our feet. The tension is so thick I can barely breathe.

“Uh… couldn’t sleep?” I ask awkwardly, trying to break the silence.

He nods quickly, his words spilling out in a rushed mumble. “Yeah. Just, uh, couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d, uh, get some air.”

I glance at him, his flustered state only making my heart race more. Immediately the thought hits me, and I immediately regret it. He had to have seen it.

I bite my lip, unsure if I should bring it up. If he did see something, neither of us will escape this moment without dying of embarrassment. But if he didn’t… I’ll just sound paranoid. And put myself as being randomly— unclothed…

“I was just gonna take a walk,” I say quickly, hoping to steer the conversation away from the awkward tension hanging in the air.

Lorien hesitates, scratching the back of his neck, his blush still lingering. “Uh… mind if I join?”

His question catches me off guard, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. My first instinct is to say no, to get some space and clear my head without the added complication of him. But the way he looks at me—nervous, hopeful—makes me pause.

“Sure,” I say finally, my voice a little softer than I intended. “I guess some company wouldn’t hurt.”

His face lights up slightly, though he quickly tries to hide it. “Great,” he says, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. “I… could use the fresh air too.”

We start walking down the hall together, the inn quiet save for the faint creaks of the floorboards beneath our steps. The silence between us is heavy, almost suffocating, and I can’t help but wonder if he feels it too.

“So,” he says after a moment, glancing at me out of the corner of his eye. “Rough day, huh?”

I let out a small laugh, shaking my head. “That’s one way to put it.”

We walk in silence for a moment before Lorien suddenly speaks up, his voice hesitant. “About this morning…”

My heart immediately skips a beat, and I feel heat rush to my face. Uh oh.

I glance at him, trying to keep my expression neutral, though my mind is already racing. What’s he going to say? Does he want to talk about the kiss? Or worse… did he see the menu?

I manage to keep walking, though my legs feel like they’re made of lead. “What about it?” I ask, my voice careful, trying not to reveal how nervous I am.

Lorien scratches the back of his neck, his blush deepening as he looks anywhere but at me. “I just… I feel like I should apologize,” he says. “For, you know… catching you off guard like that.”

“Oh,” I say, the tension in my chest loosening slightly. It’s about the kiss. Relief washes over me, though it’s quickly replaced by awkwardness. “You don’t have to apologize,” I add, glancing down at my hands. “It was just… unexpected.”

He chuckles nervously, finally daring to meet my eyes. “Yeah, that’s putting it lightly,” he says, managing a small smile. “I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I just… got caught up in the moment.”

I nod, my heart still racing but for a different reason now. “It’s okay,” I say softly, surprising even myself with how genuine I sound. “It’s not like it was… bad. Just, you know, surprising.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth—it wasn’t bad—I feel my face flush red-hot. Shit. Did I really just say that? My heart is pounding so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

I glance at Lorien, and to my horror (or is it something else?), his smile grows even bigger. There’s a spark of confidence in his eyes now, as if my accidental admission just gave him the boost he needed.

“You… think so?” he asks, his tone shifting slightly, becoming softer, almost teasing.

Oh no, no, no. Abort. Abort!

“I—uh—” I stammer, trying desperately to backpedal but finding no escape route. “I just mean… you know, it wasn’t bad bad. Like, not terrible. But also not—I mean, it’s not like I… UGH!”

I bury my face in my hands, my voice muffled as I groan. “Forget I said anything!”

Lorien chuckles softly, his tone surprisingly warm. “Hey, it’s okay,” he says, his voice calming me slightly. “Honestly, I thought you were going to tell me to never speak to you again after that.”

I peek through my fingers, my blush still burning. “It’s not like I hated it,” I mumble, the words tumbling out before I can stop them.

Why am I like this?!

His expression softens further, and his voice drops to a gentle tone. “Thanks, Artemis. I really… I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to make sure I didn’t ruin things between us.”

“Between us?” I echo, leaning back against the cool brick wall of the inn. My voice sounds steadier than I feel, even as my heart races at his words.

Lorien hesitates for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck, his face still tinged with red. But then he looks at me, his expression open and unguarded in a way that catches me completely off guard.

“Well… yeah,” he says softly. “I kinda like you, Artemis.”

My breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, I don’t know what to say. But he keeps going, his words spilling out like he’s been holding them back for too long.

“I know this isn’t exactly the best situation,” he says, gesturing vaguely to the world around us. “Us being stuck here, not knowing if we’ll ever get out, or even survive half the time. But… you’re just so—”

He pauses, searching for the right word. “I don’t know. You’re strong, you’re kind, and you don’t let anything stop you. Even when everything feels impossible, you keep pushing forward. And…”

He takes a deep breath, his voice dropping slightly. “I just want to be near you. That’s all.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air, heavy and undeniable. I lean back against the wall, staring at him as I try to process everything he’s just said.

He likes me. Me. Not just as a leader or a teammate, but as something more… a lot more.

“Oh,” I say, the word slipping out before I can stop it. Oh? Really? That’s all I can manage?

Lorien’s expression falters for a moment, the hope in his eyes dimming slightly as my response hangs awkwardly in the air. My stomach churns as I realize how badly I’ve botched this.

“Listen, I—” I start, grasping for a way to fix it. Then, the perfect idea strikes me. I’ll just tell him the truth.

“I was a guy,” I blurt out, my voice steadier than I expected. His eyes widen slightly, but he doesn’t interrupt, so I keep going. “In real life, before we were stuck here. My name was Alex. I don’t know if you caught it before when I mentioned it a few days ago, but… yeah. This—” I gesture vaguely at myself, my voice softening. “This isn’t really me. Or at least, it wasn’t.”

For a moment, Lorien just looks at me, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. That should be it, I think. No way he’s interested now. Crisis averted.

But then, to my surprise, he smiles—a little nervous, a little shy—and tilts his head. “Is that the issue?” he asks gently.

Oh fuck.
“I already knew and-“ he stops

Before I can respond, he continues, his voice soft but certain. “I mean, you’re a girl as far as I’ve ever seen. That’s… that’s who you are to me.”

His cheeks flush a deeper red, and I can tell he’s nervous now too, but his gaze doesn’t waver. “And it doesn’t change the fact that I… like being around you. You’re still you, Artemis, no matter who you were before.”

The weight of his words hits me like a ton of bricks. My heart pounds as I search his face for some sign that he’s joking, but all I see is sincerity.

Then he steps closer, leaning in just slightly, and my breath catches.

Oh no.

I open my mouth to speak, to say something, but before I can get a word out, Lorien leans in further and kisses me—this time deeper than before. His tongue brushes against mine, and I freeze, my mind going blank.

Oh gods, I think, my heart pounding in my chest. I don’t know what to do, what to think. The kiss is warm, intense, and so completely different from anything I’ve ever experienced before.

For a moment, I just stand there, too stunned to react. My hands twitch at my sides as my body betrays me, responding instinctively to the softness of his lips, the closeness of him.

Finally, I pull back, breaking the kiss as I gasp for air. My cheeks are burning, my chest heaving, and I stare at him, utterly speechless.

“Lorien,” I manage, my voice barely above a whisper.

He looks just as flustered as I feel, his own face red as he stumbles back slightly. “I—I’m sorry,” he says quickly, running a hand through his hair. “I just… I don’t know what came over me. I didn’t mean to—”

I take a shaky breath, holding up a hand to stop him. “It’s— it’s fine,” I say, though my voice wavers. “I just… wasn’t expecting that.”

He nods quickly, clearly panicked. “Right. Of course. I’m sorry.”

The awkward silence between us is suffocating, and my mind is a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, frustration, and something else I can’t quite name.

"Listen," | manage, my voice shaky but earnest. "You didn't do anything wrong. I—“

Before I can finish the thought, something stirs deep within me. It's impossible to explain—a pull, a spark, something primal and overwhelming that sweeps through me like a wave.

Without thinking, I step forward, my hands reaching for him. I grab Lorien by the collar of his shirt, pulling him toward me as I close the distance between us.

Our lips crash together, the kiss hard and unrestrained, and this time, it's me who's leading. My hands tighten their grip on his shirt, and I feel his arms instinctively wrap around me, pulling me closer.

The warmth of him, the way he leans into the kiss with equal intensity, sends
a jolt through me. Every rational thought in my mind dissolves, leaving only the strange, electric connection between us.

After what feels like an eternity, I pull back just enough to catch my breath again, my forehead resting lightly against his.
My heart is racing, my entire body tingling with the adrenaline of what I just did.

Lorien stares at me, his eyes wide but filled with something that looks like awe
—and maybe a bit of disbelief. "Artemis," he whispers, his voice low and breathless.

"I..." l begin, but I can't find the words.
My hands are still gripping his shirt, and I realize I'm trembling slightly. Whatever just happened, it felt real-too real.

I yank my hands away, stepping back from him as reality crashes down on me. My breath is shaky, and my cheeks burn hotter than ever. “I—I think we should get some sleep,” I stammer, my voice barely steady.

Before Lorien can respond, I turn and rush off, heading back into the inn as quickly as I can without outright running. My thoughts are a whirlwind, my heart pounding as I try to process what just happened—what I just did.

As I step back into the quiet of the inn, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder. Lorien is still standing where I left him, his face turned toward the night sky.

Even from here, I can see the look on his face—a smile so wide and genuine, it practically radiates joy. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and the sight sends a strange mix of emotions through me.

I shake my head, pulling my gaze away and slipping back into the hallway leading to the rooms. My chest feels tight, my body still tingling from the kiss, and I’m not sure if I want to scream, laugh, or collapse into bed and pretend none of this ever happened.

I realize suddenly that I’ve been holding my breath this entire time. As I exhale shakily and take in a deep breath, my pulse finally begins to slow, though the warmth in my chest hasn’t faded.

“That felt…” I mutter under my breath, unable to even finish the thought as I approach the door to the girls’ room.

Before I can open it, the door creaks softly, and Kaida’s face appears. Her fiery hair is slightly messy from sleep, and she squints at me in the dim light of the hallway.

“There you are,” she whispers, a mixture of concern and curiosity in her voice. “Where were you?”

Her question catches me off guard, and I freeze for a moment, the blush rushing back to my face as I try to think of an answer. “I, uh…” I hesitate, my mind racing. What am I supposed to say?

Kaida tilts her head, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studies me. “You’ve been gone for a while. You okay?”

I fidget, glancing down at my hands. “I just needed some air,” I finally manage, my voice quieter than I intended. “It’s been… a long day.”

She raises an eyebrow, leaning slightly against the doorframe. “Uh-huh,” she says, clearly not convinced. “And the air just happened to be very interesting, huh? You’re red as a tomato.”

I groan softly, rubbing the back of my neck as I try to deflect. “Can we not do this right now, Kaida?”

Her lips curl into a sly grin, but she steps aside, motioning for me to enter the room. “Fine. But we’re definitely talking about this tomorrow.”

I sigh in relief, slipping past her into the room and quickly heading toward my bed. Lyra is still asleep, her soft breathing a comforting reminder of the calm that the rest of the group wasn’t disturbed.

I glance over at Kaida as I sit down on my bed, my thoughts still spinning. Her red hair catches the faint glow of the lantern light, and she stretches with a soft yawn before slipping under her blanket.

As she settles in, she turns her head toward me, her voice barely above a whisper. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me?”

Her question hangs in the air, gentle but pointed, and I hesitate, gripping the edge of my blanket. She’s giving me an out, I can tell—but there’s no mistaking the curiosity in her eyes, even through her grogginess.

“It’s… nothing,” I whisper back, though even I don’t sound convincing. “Just… a lot on my mind.”

Kaida raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “A lot on your mind, huh?” she murmurs, her tone teasing but soft. “You don’t have to tell me now, but you know you can, right? I won’t judge. Whatever it is.”

Her words are sincere, and the warmth in her voice catches me off guard.

I manage a faint smile, nodding slightly. “Thanks, Kaida. I appreciate it.”

She yawns again, turning onto her side and pulling the blanket up around her shoulders. “Alright,” she whispers, her voice fading as she drifts closer to sleep. “Like I said though tomorrow, you’re not getting off so easy.”

I chuckle softly, lying back against the pillow as I try to let the calm of the room soothe my racing thoughts.

I reach over to the small lantern by my bed, the soft glow dimming as I turn it off. Darkness envelops the room, and the quiet breathing of Kaida and Lyra fills the space. I close my eyes, trying to let the exhaustion of the day pull me into sleep.

But no matter how hard I try to push the thoughts away, he’s still there. Lorien. His face, his voice, the way he looked at me when he spoke from the heart.

And the kiss.

I groan softly, shifting under the blanket. The memory of it is vivid, impossible to ignore—the warmth of his lips, the way he leaned into me, the way I leaned back.

“What is wrong with me?” I whisper to myself, burying my face in the pillow.

He’s front and center in my mind, and no matter how much I try to focus on something else—the forest, Lyra, the trial, the map seller waiting for us tomorrow—it always comes back to him. The way he smiled at me after, so bright and genuine, like I was the only thing in the world that mattered.

I clutch the blanket tighter, my chest tightening with emotions I’m not ready to unpack.

I stare into the darkness, my mind swirling with thoughts I can’t seem to escape. Lorien is attractive—I can’t deny that. The way his eyes light up when he smiles, the soft confidence in his voice when he talks to me, the warmth in the way he looks at me…

But this isn’t just about being attracted to him. It feels deeper, more complicated.

The way he makes me feel seen, like I’m more than just the arbitrary leader. When he looks at me, it’s not like he’s expecting something from me or relying on me to make the hard calls. He just… likes me. For being me.

I clutch the blanket tighter, my thoughts racing. Back in the real world, I never would’ve imagined being in this situation—feeling this way about anyone, let alone a guy. But here, in this world, with this body… it feels different.

And it’s not just him. It’s the way I’m changing, the way I’m starting to see myself.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I stare up at the ceiling. “What does this even mean?” I whisper to myself, my voice almost inaudible.

My heart twists with confusion, but also something softer. Whatever this is, it’s not simple.

The thoughts keep spiraling, no matter how much I try to push them away. The fact that Lorien doesn’t even care I was a guy—it’s almost always on my mind, this massive, awkward truth I thought would scare anyone away. That I hoped would scare him away. But when I told him, he just… smiled. Like it didn’t matter at all.

I groan softly, burying my face in the pillow. After he kissed me, I had every chance to yell at him, to set boundaries, to push him away and make it clear that none of this was okay. But I didn’t.

Not only did I not yell at him, I… kissed him back. More aggressively, more impulsively than I ever thought I could.

“Why?” I whisper to myself, my voice shaky in the quiet room. “Why did I do that?”

The memory of the kiss lingers, vivid and impossible to ignore. The warmth, the closeness, the way it felt so natural in that moment. Was it the heat of the moment, or something more?

It scares me to think about it too deeply. If I kissed him because I wanted to—what does that mean about me? About who I am now?

But maybe that’s the problem. Deep down, I know why I kissed him back. Because it felt right.

I sigh, closing my eyes tightly. The feelings are messy, complicated, and so far from what I’m used to. But they’re there, undeniable and persistent, and no matter how much I try to run from them, they won’t go away.

I squeeze my eyes shut, willing myself to stop thinking about it, to just focus on sleep. But the harder I try, the more persistent the thoughts become, refusing to be ignored.

I can’t stop picturing it—what it would be like to actually be in a relationship with Lorien. Even here, in this strange digital world.

My chest tightens at the thought, my mind racing. Would it be so bad? To let myself feel something for him, even here?

I roll onto my side, staring into the darkness. No matter how much I try to push it away, the idea of being with Lorien lingers, persistent and unshakable.

I bite my lip, curling tighter under the blanket as the thoughts refuse to let me go. I think about the feeling in my stomach after that second kiss—the way it wasn’t just nerves or surprise, but something deeper, something raw.

It wasn’t just a kiss. It was everything I felt in that moment—the heat rushing through me, the way my hands instinctively pulled him closer, like I didn’t want to let go.

And the urges…

I shiver at the memory, the way my body reacted so naturally, so intensely. It wasn’t anything I’d ever felt before, at least not like this. That pull toward him, the way every part of me seemed to scream for more, was overwhelming.

Even now, just thinking about it, my stomach twists with that same feeling—an electric buzz that leaves me both excited and terrified.

What is this? I think to myself, clutching the blanket tighter. Is this just the game messing with me, or is it something else entirely?

I can’t stop replaying the moment in my head—the closeness, the warmth, the way I gave in so completely without even thinking about it.

And maybe that’s the scariest part. Not that it happened, but that it felt… right.

I groan softly, pressing the pillow against my face in frustration. The game probably wants me distracted, I think, my mind grasping for something logical. That’s why it made me a girl. An attractive girl who apparently now finds attractive guys… interesting. Ugh.

The thought makes my stomach twist again, but this time with irritation. Is this some kind of design choice? A way to throw players off their game, to mess with our heads?

“Sleep, sleep, sleep,” I mutter to myself, trying to will my racing thoughts away. But every time I close my eyes, there he is again—Lorien, smiling, leaning closer, his words still echoing in my mind.

I roll onto my side, clutching the blanket tighter. “Please, brain,” I whisper. “Just… stop.”

But the warmth in my chest, the flutter in my stomach, and the lingering memory of that kiss make it impossible to calm down.

I quietly slip out of bed, careful not to wake Kaida or Lyra. The room feels stifling, my thoughts too loud and chaotic to let me rest.

Once inside, I close the door softly behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I take a deep breath. The cool air of the bathroom brushes against my skin, helping to calm my racing heart.

I glance at the sink, my eyes landing on the small button that opened the menu earlier. Without really thinking, I press it again, and the familiar shimmering menu appears in front of me.

I navigate quickly to the party overview, scanning the screen. The status of every party member is now marked as “Sleeping.” No surprises, no one wandering around or awake this time.

I let out a small sigh of relief. At least everyone’s asleep now. For real this time.

But the menu lingers in front of me, and I find myself hesitating. My thoughts drift back to earlier in the hallway, to Lorien, to everything I’ve been trying to push away. My finger hovers over his name for a moment, a strange mix of curiosity and nervousness bubbling up inside me.

Artemis:

I hesitate for a moment, my finger hovering over Lorien’s name. Why am I doing this? I ask myself, but the curiosity—no, the need—to know more about him is too strong to ignore.

Taking a deep breath, I tap his name.

The menu shifts, and Lorien’s profile appears in front of me. His image rotates slowly—a detailed 3D model of him, showing his armor, weapon, and even his expression, which, even in this still representation, has that calm intensity that always seems to draw me in.

Beneath the image, his stats and details are listed:

Lorien
• Class: Spearman
• Abilities: Piercing strike, Defensive Stance
• Status: Sleeping
• Condition: Healthy
• Location: The Resting Quiver

But then my eyes catch something near the bottom—a short description labeled
• Personality Notes. I hesitate, my heart pounding as I read it:

“Lorien: Calm and loyal, with a deep sense of duty. Often values the safety and happiness of others above his own. Recently motivated by feelings toward a specific party member.”

I freeze, rereading that last line. Feelings toward a specific party member.

My chest tightens, and I glance at his rotating figure again, my thoughts spinning.

I step back from the sink, letting the menu fade, my hands trembling slightly. What do I even do with this?

Artemis:

The thought hits me like a bolt of lightning. If Lorien’s profile has notes like that, then what does mine say?

I hesitate, my hand hovering over the menu button again. Part of me is afraid of what I might see, but another part of me—one I can’t quite ignore—is desperate to know.

Taking a shaky breath, I navigate back to the party overview and tap on my own name.

The menu shifts again, this time displaying my own profile. The 3D model of myself rotates slowly, showing every detail of my current outfit, my weapons, and even the subtle expression on my face.

I glance down at the stats and details:

Artemis
• Class: Archer
• Abilities: Arrow Volley, Arcane Arrow (Passive)
• Status: Awake
• Condition: Healthy
• Location: The Resting Quiver
• Level: 5
But then I see it, near the bottom: Personality Notes. My heart races as I tap it, the words appearing in crisp, glowing text:

“Artemis: Strong and resourceful, often carrying the weight of the group’s decisions. Struggles with adapting to a new identity but is beginning to accept it. Recently conflicted by developing feelings toward a certain party member.”

My breath catches as I read the last line. Developing feelings toward a certain party member.

I feel my chest tighten, my thoughts spinning. The game knows. It knows what I’ve been trying to figure out myself, what I’ve been trying to push away since the moment he kissed me.

Lorien isn’t just in my thoughts because of the situation or because of the game. He’s there because…

I let the menu fade, staring at my reflection in the darkened bathroom. My lips press into a thin line as I try to calm the storm of emotions inside me.

I lean against the sink, staring at where the menu had been just moments ago. My thoughts are a tangled mess, spinning between what it said about me, about Lorien, and about everything that’s happened.

God, I hope no one else sees these profiles, I think, the idea of someone else reading those notes making my stomach churn. They’d put it together immediately.

But one part of the description lingers in my mind, refusing to let go: “Beginning to accept it.”

I frown, gripping the edge of the sink tightly. Am I? I ask myself, feeling a strange mixture of confusion and unease. Am I really starting to accept this?

It’s true that I’ve been so caught up in trying to figure out how I feel about Lorien that I’ve barely thought about… well, me. Who I used to be.

I’m supposed to be a guy, I remind myself, but the thought feels… distant, almost like it doesn’t hold the weight it used to. It’s not that I’ve forgotten, but in this world, in this body, it feels harder and harder to hold onto the identity of Alex.

Every decision I’ve made, every moment I’ve shared with the group—it’s all been as Artemis. Not Alex.

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers brushing against the edge of the sink. The realization makes my chest feel tight, like I’m standing on the edge of something I can’t fully see yet.

“Am I really… changing?” I whisper to myself, my voice barely audible.

I grip the edge of the sink harder, staring at my reflection, the thoughts in my head swirling uncontrollably. I just want to wake up, I think, the words sharp and desperate. Wake up back in the real world, where none of this exists. Where I don’t have to deal with the imminent failure, the constant danger of dying in this game, being a girl…

My thoughts trail off, the words catching in my mind like a snag in fabric. Being in love—

I freeze, my breath catching in my throat. Did I just think that?

I stare at my reflection, the weight of the thought crashing down on me. It wasn’t just a fleeting idea—it felt real. Like I wasn’t just attracted to Lorien, wasn’t just flustered by the kiss, but something deeper was creeping in. Something I wasn’t ready to admit, even to myself.

“Love?” I whisper, the word foreign and strange as it slips past my lips.

My heart pounds in my chest as I lean forward, gripping the sink tightly. “No,” I whisper to myself. “No, that’s… ridiculous. It’s too soon. It’s the game. It’s just…”

But no matter how hard I try to deny it, the thought lingers, persistent and undeniable.

“No, no, no,” I mutter, shaking my head vehemently as I pace the small bathroom. “Not in love. Nope. Absolutely not. I refuse.”

I glance at the sink, half-expecting the glowing menu button to pop back up and taunt me with some update to my profile:

“Artemis: Currently in denial about her feelings for a certain party member.”

The thought makes me groan, pressing my hands to my face. “Oh gods, it better not change my profile,” I whisper, the idea of anyone reading something like that making my skin crawl.

I glance back at the mirror, catching sight of my flushed face, my messy hair. I look as frazzled as I feel. “It’s just the game,” I say aloud, trying to convince myself. “This whole situation—it’s messing with my head. That’s all it is. Right?”

But no matter how much I try to argue with myself, the memory of the kiss, the warmth in his eyes, and the way I felt when I pulled him closer won’t go away.

I let out a frustrated sigh, leaning heavily against the sink. “This is getting out of hand,” I mutter.

I stare at the button on the sink, my heart pounding as I reach out. My hand hesitates just above it, every instinct screaming at me to leave it alone. Do I really want to know what it says now?

But the curiosity, the need to know, is too strong. Grimacing, I press the button.

The menu shimmers into view, and I navigate quickly to my name, half-expecting some mortifying update to the personality notes. My breath catches as I tap on the entry, bracing myself.

The screen shifts, and my profile reappears.

“Artemis: Strong and resourceful, often carrying the weight of the group’s decisions. Struggles with adapting to a new identity but is beginning to accept it. Recently conflicted by developing feelings toward a certain party member.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. It’s the same as before. No updates, no new revelations.

“Thank gods,” I whisper, closing the menu quickly as if it might change the second I keep it open too long.

But even though the screen didn’t say anything new, I can’t shake the feeling that what it does say is just as heavy.

Conflicted by developing feelings. The words echo in my mind, refusing to let go.

I press my hands to my face, groaning softly. “This is so messed up,” I mutter, sinking onto the bathroom stool.

I push the stool back against the wall, the soft scrape of wood against stone breaking the silence. Slowly, I sit down on it, leaning back against the cool wall as I stare at my reflection in the mirror.

The faint light from the bathroom crystal glows softly against the polished surface, casting my features into sharp relief. Blonde hair frames my face, and my green eyes stare back at me, wide and filled with emotions I can’t seem to sort out.

I lean my head back against the wall, letting out a shaky breath. “What am I even doing?” I whisper to myself.

The reflection feels like it belongs to someone else. And yet, it’s me. The longer I stare, the harder it becomes to deny that fact. Every movement, every slight twitch of my expression—it’s all mine. This body, this face, this life I’m now living… it’s real.

My mind drifts back to Lorien, and I feel a strange pull in my chest again. His words, his smile, the kiss—it’s all so vivid, like it’s burned into me. And then there’s the way I reacted, the way I kissed him back. Not just reacting, but pulling him closer, wanting…

I close my eyes, shaking my head. “No,” I murmur. “This isn’t who I am. I’m Alex.”

But when I open my eyes and look into the mirror again, the face staring back at me isn’t Alex. It’s Artemis.

I lean forward slightly, brushing a strand of hair out of my face as I study my reflection. “Am I really changing?” I ask aloud, my voice barely above a whisper.

I sit there, my back pressed against the cold wall, staring at my reflection for what feels like forever. My thoughts swirl endlessly—about Lorien, about the person I was, about the person I’m becoming.

The quiet hum of the inn surrounds me, broken only by the faint creaks of wood and the distant murmur of the night outside.

My head feels heavy, my body exhausted from the day’s events and the whirlwind of emotions. I lean back further, my eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment.

Before I realize it, sleep takes me.

The stool creaks faintly as I drift off, my head tilting slightly to the side. My breathing slows, and the quiet of the bathroom wraps around me like a blanket, pulling me into restless dreams.

End of chapter 7-8

Alright that was a lot! Artemis's real name revealed a new friendship with Lyra teases for the mysterious key and well the majority of this the relationship with Lorien.
I know this was a little cheesy maybe feeling forced so sorry about that but for anyone wanting to see it your welcome ;)

Next chapter we find out what the key opens…