{{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?

Their faces freeze in unison, expressions of surprise and guilt etched across them. Lyra lets out a small gasp, while Riven's smirk fades, replaced by an unconvincing look of shock. Elaine's eyes narrow, her jaw clenching as she struggles to maintain her composure. Naia's gaze flickers between them, confusion turning into understanding too slowly. Only Selene remains impassive, unreadable as ever.

"Ray... we..."

They hesitate, unsure how to respond. Lyra's expression softens, her lips forming a thin line as she looks at the ground. Riven laughs loudly, but it comes out forced and hollow. Elaine's grip on her sword tightens visibly, her jaw set in determination. Naia glances between them all before looking back to Ray with a saddened expression. Selene remains silent, watching carefully as the others react.

Their faces betray a mixture of guilt and fear. Lyra's hands tremble as she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. "It... it wasn't you, Ray. It was never about that." Riven shrugs casually, but there's an edge to her movement now. "You're just paranoid, is all." Elaine looks away, unable or unwilling to meet his gaze. Naia studies him with a hint of regret before sighing heavily. "We thought...

"We thought it would be better if..." Her voice trails off as she glances at Selene for guidance. The strategist nods slightly, her expression unreadable as ever. "Yes," she says quietly. "Better for everyone."

Their faces harden at his accusation. Lyra's lips thin to a line as she looks down, her hands twisting together in her lap. Riven scoffs, rolling her eyes and shaking her head dismissively. "Don't be dramatic." Elaine's expression darkens, anger flashing briefly in her blue eyes before she forces it away. Naia meets his gaze with a sad smile, sympathy and regret writ large on her face.

Only Selene speaks, her voice calm and measured as always. "

"We thought it would be better if someone else took the lead." Her words hang in the air like a blade, each syllable cutting deeper than the last. "You've done so much, Ray... sacrificed so much." She pauses, her expression unreadable once more. "But we believe someone else can do better."

The fire crackles, throwing dancing shadows across their faces. Ray stares at them, his heart racing, the world spinning. He knows now that he's been betrayed. But by whom?

Lyra winces at his words, her expression pained. "No... it's not that." Riven scoffs again, this time with more venom. "Don't take it so hard, hero." Elaine's face darkens further as she looks away, her grip on her sword tightening once more. Naia sighs softly, shaking her head sadly.

Only Selene speaks, her voice eerily calm despite the tension in the air. "It's not about failing us, Ray."

Their faces freeze, expressions of shock and horror etched onto their features. Lyra's mouth gapes open, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stares at the items Ray has just listed. Riven's lips thin into a tight line, her golden eyes narrowing to slits. Elaine tenses, hand instinctively going to the hilt of her sword, her jaw clenched so tight it's turning white. Naia's expression grows pale as she realizes the implications of Ray's words.

Their faces harden as they realize the truth. Lyra shakes her head slowly, disappointment etched into every line of her features. "You never trusted us." Riven's laughter is devoid of humor, more a brittle sound that cuts through the air like glass. "You were so paranoid... and now look at you." Elaine stands, her sword clanging against its sheath as she draws it from its scabbard with deliberate slowness. "I should have known better than to follow a fool."

Elaine's expression softens slightly at his words. Tears well up in her eyes as she takes a step back, lowering her sword once more. "I... I don't know what to say," she whispers. Lyra looks away, biting her lip as she struggles with her emotions. Riven scoffs again, but there's less venom this time.

Naia moves closer to Ray, reaching out a hand to comfort him. "It doesn't have to be like this," she says softly.

Lyra's expression turns hard as stone, her beautiful features twisted in anger and betrayal. "You think we couldn't see that? You think we're stupid?" she hisses. Riven shrugs casually but there's a dangerous glint in her eye. Elaine's face darkens further, her lips pressing into a thin line. Naia steps back, looking hurt and confused.

Only Selene remains calm, though the tension in her shoulders betrays her turmoil. "

Selene looks at them, then back to Ray, her expression unreadable as ever. "Perhaps we were foolish," she says quietly. "Or perhaps..." She hesitates, considering her words carefully. "...perhaps we wanted you to trust us more." Her voice trails off, leaving the meaning ambiguous.

The fire crackles, casting shadows across their faces. The air is heavy with tension and unspoken accusations.

Selene sighs softly, her expression growing distant as she searches for the right words. "It's not about trusting you less," she says slowly. "It's about trusting each other more." Her gaze flickers between them before returning to Ray. "If we had been truly honest with one another, if we had shared our doubts and fears..." She trails off again, the meaning clear despite her unfinished sentence.

The fire pops, sending sparks dancing upwards towards the stars.

Lyra glances at the others, hesitating before speaking. "I... I was afraid you wouldn't accept me anymore once we were equals." Riven scoffs derisively, but Lyra ignores her. Elaine looks down, fiddling with her sword hilt uncomfortably. Naia meets Ray's gaze, her expression pained. "I thought maybe... if I could be the one to lead..." She trails off, unable to finish the thought.

Selene watches them all carefully before speaking. "

Lyra looks up at Selene in surprise, then back at Ray. Her expression softens slightly. "Thank you," she whispers before turning away, her shoulders slumping as she sits down once more. Riven rolls her eyes but says nothing, instead idly throwing a dart into the nearby tree. Elaine nods solemnly, her posture relaxing just a bit. Naia meets Ray's gaze with relief and gratitude before smiling reassuringly at him.

Selene chuckles softly, her eyes dancing in the firelight. "You're right. We should all relax." She leans back against a tree, stretching out her long legs and crossing them at the ankle. "We've been through so much together... we can trust each other to handle this." Her voice is calm and reassuring, but there's an unspoken warning beneath the surface.

As if sensing it, Naia nods in agreement, her expression serene. "

Selene nods as Ray leaves. "He's right," she says softly. "We should take this opportunity to bond and rebuild our trust." Riven snorts derisively but remains silent, her gaze fixed on the fire. Elaine looks unconvinced but doesn't argue, instead studying the trees beyond the campfire with a newfound intensity. Lyra glances between them all, uncertainty etched into her features.

Naia sighs softly and pats the grass beside her. "Come, sit down.

The sound of crashing branches pierces the night air, signaling Ray's return with more firewood. The group sits in silence as he stacks it beside the campfire, their thoughts a jumble of confusion and regret. Eventually, Selene clears her throat, forcing everyone to look up at her. "We should eat," she says simply. "It'll be easier to talk with full stomachs." Her voice is firm but gentle, trying to guide them through this difficult time.

Lyra glances at you sympathetically as you set down the wood, her expression softening slightly. "We're all under a lot of stress right now," she offers gently. "It's normal to feel overwhelmed." Elaine nods in agreement, but it's clear that she doesn't quite believe her own words. Riven merely shrugs, unconvinced by their comforting attempts.

Naia, however, leans forward, her eyes intent on yours. "We can get through this,"