A Ruby-Tinted Memory

"I'm the dirt under your nails, Cupcake."

She leaned in, resting her head against Caitlyn's shoulder.

"Nothing's gonna clean me out."

And yet-

A pulse.

Deep in her mind, like a second heartbeat, like something buried clawing its way back to the surface.

Vi tensed.

A flicker, faint and distant, slipping through the cracks of her consciousness.

A woman.

Long black hair, spilling over her shoulders like ink. Vi couldn't see her eyes, only the curve of her lips-chapped but plump, moving in a slow, soft whisper.

"I've always had you, Violet. I'm not going anywhere without you. I'm with you, every step of the way."

(Part Two of Nariyah: Void Wielder in Arcane)