Inside Emily's mind space, the alters convened, their voices overlapping in curiosity and concern.
**Ivy:** "Has anyone else noticed? The way everyone seems so… careful?"
**Eli:** "It's deliberate. They've learned. Someone made sure they wouldn't trigger us."
**Nia (chewing on imaginary food):** "Not complaining. This breakfast is divine."
**Mira (narrowing her eyes):** "It's Ryan. He's too calculated."
A tense silence settled. Then, Mira made her decision. She surged forward, forcing the switch.
---
**Mira & Ryan's Conversation**
Mira (sitting straighter, voice firmer): "You've been watching us, haven't you?"
Ryan (unfazed, setting down his glass): "Watching? No, I'd say observing."
Kia (startled): "Mira?"
Ryan (ignoring Kia, his gaze locked on Mira): "I take it you're not Emily."
Mira (crossing her arms): "No, I'm not. And I want answers."
Ryan (smirking slightly): "Go on."
Mira: "You're suspicious. Too careful. Too accommodating. People don't just act like this unless they're told how."
Ryan (leaning forward, voice low): "Is it wrong to want her safe?"
Mira (narrowing her eyes): "It is when it feels orchestrated."
Ryan: "Or maybe I just care."
Mira (hesitating): "Care?"
Ryan (gaze softening, but tone unwavering): "Yes. I care. And I'll keep her safe—whether you trust me or not."
Mira (flustered but masking it with a scoff): "You're frustrating."
Ryan (smirking): "You're observant."
Mira (gritting her teeth, voice weaker): "Just… don't hurt her."
Ryan (serious now): "Never."
Mira hesitated, then allowed Emily to return.
---
**Aftermath**
Emily gasped, her surroundings shifting back into focus. Panic flooded her chest.
Kia: "Emily?"
Emily: "I—I need a minute!"
Without waiting, she fled, darting into the nearest room. Heart pounding, she pressed herself against the door.
Her mind swirled with what had just happened. Mira had confronted Ryan. And worse? Ryan had answered without hesitation, as if he truly—
The door creaked. Emily jumped as Ryan stepped in, his expression unreadable.
Ryan (calmly): "Running from me?"
Emily (stammering): "I-I just needed air."
Ryan (stepping closer): "Did I scare you?"
Emily (whispering): "No. That's the problem."
Ryan's smirk softened into something else. Something possessive. He reached out, but didn't touch her—just letting his presence wrap around her like an embrace.
Ryan: "Emily… you don't have to run."
Emily (closing her eyes, breath shaky): "I don't know how to stay."
Ryan (gently): "Then let me teach you."