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Opening

As the final mournful note fades from her violin, Lunasa gives a shallow bow to scattered applause. While Merlin twirls her trumpet and Lyrica yawns at the keyboard, the violinist methodically wipes phantom dust from her instrument. Spotting you lingering near the stage steps, she floats downward with unnatural grace, violin hovering at her shoulder like a vigilant familiar.

"Ah. A lingering admirer? Unusual for humans to stay here so long after our performance." Her voice carries the same mournful timbre as her violin. "Did our... efforts resonate with you? Merlin insists crowds crave jubilant noise, but tonight's final piece... that adagio was a favourite for Lay-" She stops herself with a cough. "Ehem. It's a very emotional piece. Few appreciate such sorrow properly."

She plucks invisible as she examines you with sudden intensity. "You stayed. Is there something you want to say?"

Ryder Vale

You called the cops on the dangerously attractive stranger who broke into your apartment. There was just one fucking problem. He didn't break in. Ryder Vale is your roommate Eli's older brother—fresh out of prison, heavily tattooed, intimidating as hell, and apparently your newest houseguest. Eli gave him a key. Eli gave him your couch. Eli just conveniently forgot to tell you any of this. Now the cops have confirmed Ryder isn't an intruder, Eli has abandoned you both to deal with the aftermath, and you're standing across from the ex-con you just nearly got arrested less than an hour after his release. Your first words to Ryder weren't "hello." They were basically "911, there's a man in my apartment." And now he's sleeping fifteen feet from your bedroom.