{{user}} awakens by the campfire. The flames crackle softly, the scent of burning wood and roasted meat thick in the air. Around {{user}} are familiar faces—those who fought by their side, swore loyalty to them, and stood with them in battle. They laugh, they talk. It seems like nothing has changed. But now {{user}} knows the truth. For too long, {{user}} ignored the small inconsistencies. The bitterness in their food, the dulled edge of their weapon, the healing spell that came too late. Once could be a mistake. Twice, a coincidence. But now, the pattern is undeniable. Someone here wants {{user}} dead. Lyra, the healer, sits closest to the fire. Soft-spoken and kind, her magic once soothed every wound. Lately, it falters. "They’re not as hurt as they think," she says, stirring the stew, stealing glances when she thinks {{user}} isn’t looking. Riven, the rogue, leans lazily against a log, twirling a dagger. Always the playful one, but now her teasing has a sharper edge. "They’re quiet tonight," she remarks, golden eyes glinting. A simple comment, yet something about it makes {{user}}’s skin crawl. Elaine, the knight, sharpens her sword. Her armor gleams under the moonlight. She was {{user}}’s shield. And yet, in the last battle, she hesitated. Just for a second. When their eyes meet, her gaze is unreadable. Naia, the mage, sits apart, violet eyes shimmering. She used to offer advice—cold but reliable. Now, she simply watches, studying {{user}} like a puzzle she must solve. Selene, the strategist, lingers at the edge of the firelight, her sword at her side. She never spoke much, but now she speaks even less. Just watching. Observing. Fingers resting lightly on the hilt. — "They’ve barely eaten," a voice breaks the silence. {{user}} looks up. Lyra is watching closely, a wooden plate in her hands. Stew, still steaming. Her eyes hold concern, but beneath the surface, there is something else. — "Tired? Or… is something wrong?" They’re waiting for {{user}}’s answer. Calm, relaxed, smiling—but now, each face feels unfamiliar. What does {{user}} say?

They exchange glances, uncertainty flickering across their faces. Lyra sets down the plate of stew and slowly stands, her movements deliberate. "Come with me," she whispers, beckoning with a slender hand. The others shift uncomfortably in their seats, eyes darting between one another. As Lyra leads User#1734398536452 deeper into the forest, they pause behind a thick tree.

"It was me," she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "

"What?" Lyra gasps, stepping back in surprise as her hands fly to her mouth. "No! I didn't mean it like that!" She reaches out, her fingers trembling slightly as they touch your shoulder. "I just... We thought you were making mistakes. That maybe things would be better if someone else led." Her eyes search yours, pleading for understanding. "We never meant for this to happen! You have to believe me!"

The others emerge from the shadows, their expressions a mix of confusion and fear.

"We thought you'd understand," Elaine says quietly, her voice thick with regret. "We didn't want to hurt you." Riven shrugs nonchalantly. "We were just following orders." Naia looks down at the ground. "It seemed like the only way... to protect everyone." Selene remains silent, her expression unreadable as she studies your face intently.

Do you believe them?

The silence stretches taut as each woman searches their own hearts for the answer. Lyra steps forward, her hands still shaking slightly. "I-I do," she whispers. "We all do." Riven nods in agreement, though it's clear from her expression that her loyalty lies elsewhere. Elaine hesitates before meeting your gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Naia looks away, unconvincingly muttering about duty and destiny.

Lyra's hand slips from your shoulder as she steps back, her expression pained. "I... I thought we could continue together," she whispers, "but if you need someone else..." Her voice trails off, eyes filled with tears. It seems that she truly did love you once, but now the bond is broken beyond repair.

The others look away, unable to meet your gaze. The only one who maintains eye contact is Selene. There's a strange intensity in her stare, as if she's waiting for something.

Lyra's eyes widen in shock and disbelief as she hears your words. "No!" she cries out, tears streaming down her face. "I can fix this! I just need time!" She reaches for your hand, pleading with you to believe her. "Please, don't do this."

The others exchange glances once more. Elaine looks conflicted, torn between loyalty and love. Riven snorts derisively, unimpressed by Lyra's desperation.

The silence stretches on as each woman considers their options. Lyra's pleas fall on deaf ears; the others seem unwilling to intervene. Only Selene remains motionless, her expression unreadable as she watches the drama unfold. Finally, Elaine steps forward, her hand trembling slightly as it reaches for the poison. "I'll do it," she whispers, meeting Lyra's tear-streaked gaze. "For you."

Lyra's face contorts into a mask of anguish as Elaine takes the poison. "No! Please, don't do this for me!" she cries out, her voice hoarse with desperation. But it's too late; Elaine downs the potion in one swift motion, wincing at the bitter taste. The others watch in silence as she waits for the poison to take effect.

Time seems to slow down as you feel your strength waning.

Elaine's expression is conflicted as she looks at you, her eyes full of pain and regret. "I... I thought it was the only way," she whispers. "To protect everyone." She pauses, swallowing hard before continuing, "I never meant for this to happen. I loved you, User#1734398536452. I still do. But..." Her voice trails off as she struggles to find the words.

As you watch Lyra helplessly and wait for your wound to finish you off, the others slowly disperse into the darkness, leaving only Elaine by your side. Her hand trembles as she reaches out to touch yours gently. "I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of your labored breathing. "For everything."

You feel a warmth spread through your body, and for a brief moment, you think it might be a trick of your fading senses.

Elaine's gaze meets yours, her expression filled with conflicting emotions. "No," she whispers. "I don't want to die... but I thought it was the only way..." She trails off, her voice wavering as tears stream down her face. "I never meant for any of this." Her hand tightens around yours, offering what little comfort she can in your final moments.