Episode 3 Sneak Peak #28

I'm back working on the Veyer branch, sorting through some dialogue trees. This is probably one of the more emotionally charged results of a conversation the MC can have with Aeran late in the branch (out of... many possible ways this conversation can go). Some variables:

• MC unlocked Aeran's confession in Ep 1
• MC slept with Veyer

Aeran pales. He meets your eyes, hurt flickering across his face, and slowly nods. “Yeah,” he says hoarsely. “I guess I am. Thanks for being honest.”

Your jaw clenches, hollow anger simmering in the pit of your stomach. To your surprise, you feel no triumph, no satisfaction at parading the truth in front of him. Only the brutal awareness that your relationship is disintegrating before you very eyes and you don’t know if there is anything you can do to stop it.

Or if you even want to.

He looks so pathetic, standing there in front of you, contending with the truth. It would be easier if he was angry. This feels wrong. You’re his friend, the $person he says he’s in love with, and you fucked the one person he sees as completely reprehensible. He should be furious with you. Why isn’t he furious with you?

“One of us has to be,” you finally. “And since it’ll never be you, it might as well be me.”

“$nickname, please, I—”

“Get your head out of your ass for once, Aeran. Not everything is about you.”

Cold silence settles between you. He steps back, staring at you as if he’s looking at a stranger. “Do you remember what I said on the Dareia?” he asks.

You return his gaze, knowing all too well what he means. “You said a lot of things on that ship. Maybe you need to clarify.”

“$nickname, please. Don’t be like this—”

“Like what?” Coarse laughter bubbles across your lips. “You think I can forgive you so easily after what you pulled last night? I asked a single question and you blew up at me. Did you think we were never going to talk about it? That you could avoid it forever?”

“I—no—not like that—”

“No! Because you are never going to tell me about the Spire, are you?”

Aeran’s hands fall stiffly to his sides, the muscles of his bare arms tensed. “I hope it was worth it, $firstname,” he says. “You’re on dangerous ground getting involved with Veyer Krellion. Even if you don’t see it, they’re using you, just as they use everyone around them. They’ve had a lifetime in the Imperial court to perfect it.”

“I don’t see why you care.”

“That’s it, isn’t it? I don’t. Not anymore. Good thing we were never together.”

His words cut deep. You step into him, so close you’re almost touching, and raise your chin. All you see is bitterness in his eyes. “Whose fault do you think that is?” you hiss. “You were too scared to.”

He smiles hollowly and draws away, turning his back on you. You watch him go, cursing him quietly, resentment simmering deep within you. Movement rustles behind you and, a moment later, Veyer appears at your side. They draw to a halt, their lips pressed together tightly as Malsara, Nova, and Zenaida walk by, their shadows flittering in your peripheral vision. For once, their dark eyes hold no amusement, no cheeky delight.

“Dare I ask?” they say.

“No.”

Veyer sighs and adjusts their coat, casting an eye across the grove. They linger on Zenaida and the Markal twins as they gather under a large tree, conversing urgently. “It seems we have a moment to spare. Would you walk with me?”

1. Accept. Judging from their tone, this must be important.
2. Decline. You’re not in the mood for talking.