╭ ⋮ ⌒✦ A New Reader .ᐟ
┆╭( 𝒜 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒟𝓊𝓀𝑒 ) !?
┆╰ → ( 𝒜 𝒯𝓎𝓇𝒶𝓃𝓉 ) <3 | ❏ ⇢ ❝ (Y/N) didn't exactly plan to wake up in a stranger's body - especially not the body of a dude in a super popular otome game for girls.
(Who knew sculpted abs...
Penelope's unwavering composure was both a relief and a source of confusion.
The chaos swirling around us barely registered on her face, yet a flicker of something unknown danced in her eyes as we locked gazes.
'What exactly is going through her head?'
I couldn't hear every word of their conversation, but it felt like a verbal match.
And against me, it seemed.
'Why does Penelope's every word feel like a veiled accusation?'
A prickle of unease ran down my spine.
Was my impulsive purchase and public display a mistake?
Only time would tell.
Alissa clung desperately to me, her small hand a vice grip on my cloak.
Despite the recent trauma, a surprising calmness had settled over her.
Maybe it was the familiar comfort of human touch, or perhaps a child's natural ability to adapt.
"These rings," the nervous auctioneer replacement explained, offering a pair of sinister-looking gadgets to me and Penelope, "are used to control unruly or rebellious slaves."
His words sparked another surge of anger, a familiar heat crawling up my neck.
This cold-hearted treatment of human beings was barbaric.
"Are you out of your mind?"
I barked, thrusting the rings away with a dismissive hand.
"Do you expect me to use these on a child? Or anyone for that matter?"
The vein on my temple throbbed in time with my pounding heart.
My fist clenched, ready to find purchase on something, anything, even him, if he pushed me any further.
The urge to slap him was a real one.
"No need, actually!"
I snapped, cutting him off mid-sentence as he tried explaining himself before turning my back on him entirely.
A weak smile played on Alissa's lips, a flicker of gratitude shining through tear-filled eyes.
"........,"
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"........,"
At least someone appreciated my intervention.
I gently rubbed circles on her back, a small gesture of comfort amidst the storm.
