Elara's Pov:
Sunlight spills through my bedroom curtains, dusting my desk with soft gold. I'm curled in my chair, sweatpants soft against my legs, a faded T-shirt loose on my shoulders, hair knotted in a messy bun. My sketchbook's buried under novels, hidden—'I'd never show those drawings to anyone.'
My room's a quiet haven, band posters curling at the edges, art supplies scattered like secrets. My laptop glows, 'Eclipse Realms' login screens a familiar pull. My heart's still unsteady, the café's memory lingering—his hands, that sketch. I log in, the game's music a gentle tide, washing the world away.
I'm Starslayer105 here, leader of the Moonlight Blade Guild, not the girl whose words stay trapped. In Eclipse Realm, my typed commands carry weight, my plans sharp like a blade. The game's hum steadies me, my fingers brushing the keys. I join the guild meeting, the chat alive with names that feel like home.
Starslayer105: Shadow vault raid today, plans in the doc.
The replies spill in, bright and messy. Nightraven554: Slayer you're late. Lets go!
I sip chamomile tea, the mug's warmth seeping into my palms, grounding me.
The guild's voice channel hums through my headphones, but I type, silent as always.
The game lets me be more—bolder, quicker. I map routes, the screen's glow softening the edges of my thoughts. He kept my sketch. Aiden's face drifts in—blue eyes sharp, scar catching the café's light. His fingers closed around it, like it was something to hold onto. My heart flutters, a fragile warmth. Did he see something in it? I push the thought down, focusing on the chat. Stay sharp.
I type: Check the doc raven, let's roll.
A new name pings—Frostviper255, late as usual.
He types: Yo slayer, plans tight, ready to tank.
His words are rough, all edges, like the guy I saw pouring coffee, focused and gruff. We've run raids before, not tight but steady, his moves sharp like he's got something to prove.
I type: Don't lag, viper.
He replies: Never boss.
My lips curve, a quiet smile. The game pulls me deeper, its music—strings and low drums—wrapping around me like a shield.
Mom's humming floats up from downstairs, soft and familiar. She'd love this. She's been my anchor since everything broke, never pushing when I scribble 'I'm okay.' in my notebook. College has me out here, finding my own way, but her warmth keeps me steady.
My sketchbook stays hidden—his eyes, drawn in the dark. I'd never let anyone see those, not even her. Aiden's hands, folding that paper. My chest tightens, the memory sharp. 'Why'd he keep it?'
The raid begins, Eclipse Realm's music swelling, pulling me in. My rogue avatar glides through shadows, daggers flashing, moving with a grace I can't find outside. The guild's tight—NightRaven sniping, FrostViper holding the line. I type,
StarSlayer: Viper hold steady. Raven flank right.
The chat buzzes, my focus a quiet hum, the world fading—Mom's humming, the college town's distant chatter, even his face softening. We clear the Shadow Vault, the guild cheering in chat.
StarSlayer: Nice work.
I lean back, exhaling, my tea cold now.
FrostViper types: Solid lead, slayer.
I reply: Always.
The real worlds creeps in— moms footsteps on the stairs.
She knocks, voice muffled. "Elara, dinner soon!" I nod, uselessly, and scribble in my notebook: 'Coming.' . I hold it up as she peeks in, her smile warm. She leaves, and I get ready to head down, but my laptop pings—a message from Mia, outside the guild. Hey, girl! Brew & Bloom tonight. Aiden's working. Get over here! ;)
My heart stumbles, thoughts flickering. Aiden. His scar, his eyes, the sketch he folded away. 'What did he see in it?' The café's glow fills my mind, his voice rough but kind, reading my words. Mia's grin flashes, her hands signing—sweet but unneeded. My fingers hover, itching to write Hi again. I shouldn't. But the pull's too strong, like a thread tugging me forward. What if I go? I type: "Maybe". But I know I'm going.