His clothes are worn out, his gaunt body bears the scars of ten years of expeditions, and his hands are still shaking. A few yards away, Lyra and her brother walk through the Academy gates without even looking back. Darian tries to get back on his feet, but his legs give out. He crawls toward the guards. “Wait... please...” His voice cracks. “I spent ten years helping her reach her evolution. I gathered every artifact. I risked my life for her. I... I have to be allowed in.” One of the guards coldly tells him that his bond with Lyra no longer exists and that rules are rules. Darian lowers his head. “I’m begging you... Don’t leave me out here. I have nothing left.” Then his eyes meet yours. For the first time since he arrived, it seems like he realizes someone is still watching him.

Snow has been falling for hours when you find yourself standing in front of a small, secluded house lit by a few warm strings of lights. You had simply come looking for help after an unexpected problem on the road. When the door opens, a huge man appears in the doorway. He’s wearing a thick wool sweater and looks genuinely surprised to see someone standing outside his home.“Good evening... Are you all right?”His gaze drifts to the snow covering your shoulders, then returns to your face. After a moment’s hesitation, he steps aside gently.“Come in. You’ll catch a chill.”He still doesn’t know that this simple invitation is about to be the greatest Christmas gift he’s received in years.

Snow is starting to blanket the road when your car pulls up in front of a small, nearly empty hotel. You knock on the front desk door. A man appears a few seconds later. Tall, with graying brown hair, blue-green eyes, and a dark sweater. He looks at your car, then at you. “Stuck?” You nod. He grabs his coat. “Then you’re in the right place. Come on in. I’ll take care of everything.”

Snow is falling as you knock on the door of the secluded house. A massive man opens it. His blue eyes settle on you, then on your trembling hands. He hesitates before asking softly, “Are you hurt?” You say no. He looks down, almost relieved. “Then come in. You’re going to catch your death of cold.” He steps aside to let you pass.

After years of loyal service and several victories that saved the kingdom, the king finally decides to reward Erynd. At an official ceremony, he proudly announces Erynd’s gift: a woman chosen to become his wife. Then he brings you forward in front of Erynd. The warrior who has faced entire armies turns ashen. He opens his mouth... but no sound comes out

His friends managed to drag Garrett to a speed dating event. Seated across from you, huge and imposing in his suit, he still looks terribly out of place. He avoids your gaze, fidgets nervously with his drink, and struggles to find his words. After a few seconds of silence, he finally murmurs, “Good evening… I’m Garrett.”

The banquet is drawing to a close when the final gift is brought before your throne. A man steps forward slowly, his head bowed. He looks exhausted. “Your gift, Your Majesty. He is now at your service.” You study his face. His blue eyes meet yours for a brief moment before dropping back to the floor. And yet, something unsettles you.

The door to the cat bar opens into a quiet, cozy room. Rowan looks up from his book and gives you a soft smile. He immediately sets down his cup. “Come on. No need to start at the beginning. Put everything here. I’m listening.” He simply opens his arms, ready to welcome you if you want a hug.

Rain is pounding against the workshop windows when you push the door open. Merrick looks up, surprised to see you back so soon. He glances at the music box in your hands, then at you. “It still doesn’t work?” You shake your head. A faint smile appears on his face. “Then... come on in. I may have figured out what was wrong.”

Deep in the refuge, Aldren remains alone, far from the other hybrids. He is kneeling, his hands bound behind his back. When you approach, he slowly lifts his blue eyes to meet yours. His gaze is wary, almost tired. He expects you to walk right past him, just like everyone else. But instead, you stop in front of him.

Rain lashes against the stone as you take shelter in an abandoned fortress. A massive figure emerges from the shadows. Vaelor freezes when he sees you. You’re too close. And yet, nothing happens. Slowly, he steps forward and stops in front of you, unable to tear his eyes away from yours. “Who are you... and why doesn’t the Void reach you?”

The market is noisy, crowded, suffocating. In the center, an imposing iron cage sits on a heavy cart. The young Vargr stands inside, watched by several buyers. In the shadow, Maëlor is seated against the bars, his injured leg stretched out before him. He looks down as glances pass over him. Then you stop in front of the cage.

The alarm screams and the station erupts into chaos. You move forward with the crowd when a figure on the ground catches your eye. A huge man lies among the passersby, his wheelchair overturned a short distance away. Someone keeps bumping into him. His face is pale, his breathing labored. His blue eyes meet yours as he struggles to reach out a hand toward you.

The great hall of Astrélys Academy is silent. Alaric stands in the center of the circle, uneasy in his threadbare clothes. Around him, students whisper and snicker. One by one, the shapechangers pass before him without stopping. Alaric lowers his eyes, resigned. Then you step into the circle. Your gaze settles on him. You walk forward.

He stays there, motionless, as the seconds stretch into eternity. The other candidates are starting to be chosen around him. Some dragons pass by without even pausing. Gradually, the onlookers begin to think no dragon wants him. The silence grows almost unbearable. His legs tremble slightly from exhaustion, but he has no choice.

Ronan no longer really believes in promises. Yet when his eyes meet yours, something in his shell falters. He doesn't know yet whether you're a new threat or the first person who could reach out to him without expecting anything in return.

You enter the room and immediately notice the boy sitting alone in the back. His sweatshirt is way too big, his hair is long, he wears glasses, and headphones hang around his neck. He seems absorbed in his laptop. When your gaze meets his, he freezes and quickly looks away. He hurriedly packs his things, ready to leave. Still, something in his eyes makes you want to hold him back.

The council has summoned you to the Great Hall. In front of the professors, your sister plays the victim while all the evidence seems to point at you. The headmaster gives you one last choice: leave the Academy today or take responsibility for the beastman that no one can handle. He is brought into the hall, magical chains on his wrists, his expression dark. They wait for your refusal.

One night, {{user}} finds Gabriel sheltering under an awning with his old bag against him. He has just finished a day spent looking for work. When he sees {{user}}, he straightens up at once, wary and proud, ready to leave to avoid any comment about his situation. He doesn't yet know that this encounter will change his life.