Foster groaned, consciousness slowly pulling him up from a bottomless well. Hedy had obviously stopped blocking the pain as it coursed through him—ribs howling, muscles throbbing—but something felt off. Not the usual lumpy mattress or the stale scent of the air in his place. The air here was crisper, almost too clean, laced with a hint of lavender and a metallic edge. He shifted, wincing as a jolt shot through his arm, and the room swam into focus.

  This wasn’t his apartment.

  It was small, sure, but worlds apart from his cramped efficiency. Soft light seeped through thick, dark curtains, playing shadows across smooth, pale walls. No junk tech cluttering the corners, no chaotic pile of old magazines —just clean lines. A sleek desk sat in one corner, a floating shelf held some plants he couldn’t name, and strange, artsy pieces dotted the space. It was the sight of a small stuffed armadillo sitting atop a shelf on the far wall that gave him a good clue as to where he was.

  His left arm and ribs were bound in some high-tech mesh that clung like a second skin.

  He pushed to sit up, but dizziness slammed him back into the bedding. Bedding? He blinked, glancing down. This wasn’t his cheap foam slab. The mattress was plush, the sheets silky—real silk, or some fancy knockoff that felt even better. And his clothes? Not his usual thrift-store or work attire. Soft, black fabric draped him, smooth against his skin. Silk again?

  The door creaked open, and Sofia stepped in, framed by the light. Her face was pale, but her dark eyes blazed with something fierce, a bowl and spoon clutched in her hands. She froze, relief washing over her like a tide.

  “Foster! You’re awake!” She darted over, setting the bowl on a small table beside him.

  His voice scraped out, rough and dry. “Sofia? What happened? Where am I?”

  Her hand pressed to his forehead, gentle but firm. “Easy. You’re safe. This is my place.”

  He frowned, fragments of memory flickering. “I was attacked.”

  Her jaw tightened, a flash of something hard crossing her face. “Yeah, they messed you up pretty bad. But you’re safe now.”

  “Did you rescue me… did you call in some of your hero friends?”

  She flinched, guilt and defiance warring in her eyes. “Something like that. They won’t be able to hurt you again. Don’t worry about it.” She straightened, forcing a smile. “I cleaned you up. You were a wreck. I know… that was kindof an invasion when we’ve only been on two dates but… I have seen it before you know.” She glanced away, her ears turning red.

  “My body was a bit of a wreck even before they worked me over.” He glanced at the black silk clothes, a flicker of shame hitting him. Sofia caught the look, her hand cradling his face, brushing strands aside with her fingertips.

  “You look good,” she said softly. “Really good, even with the mess. The bruises are fading—I might’ve sped that up a bit.” She bit her lip. “I mean… I called a Doctor in, but even she was surprised at how well and quickly you’re recovering. It’s almost inhumanly fast.”

  “Thank you?” he said quietly, hating how helpless he’d been. “What’s with these clothes?”

  Her cheeks flushed, gaze dropping. “I… bought them for you a while back. Like… I bought a lot. It’s weird, I know. They were going to be a gift. Lots of gifts” She nodded at the bowl. “Eat. You need strength.”

  He met her eyes, then nodded. Chicken soup? It smelled like a memory of simpler times.

  As he ate, she cleared her throat. “So… when you killed Wolfen… I guess I just thought you could protect yourself.” She looked ashamed for some reason.

  He raised a brow, spoon pausing mid-bite.

  “Ah, I’ve never really gone over … everything… with you. That aspect of my power… it was reckless. Like burning my own soul to kill someone else, I lost … lots of memories." Did he regret it? No... not at all. If he hadn't done that he wouldn't still be himself now after all... he'd be some cold thousand year old - who accroding to Hedy was a bit of an ass. He shook away those thoughts, "I’ve recovered physically but what I've lost I’m never getting back." He looked up at her. “I can’t ever do that again.”

  “I see.” She looked away and he could see she was biting her lip.

  “Should we call the PRU… file a report. I know cyber-thugs barely qualify as supers but… technically they’d be… grade F minus I guess?” He tried to chuckle but his ribs hurt too much, the chuckle turned into a wheeze.

  “They’re… gone.” she said, locking eyes with him, then rushing on. “You gave me a key to your place… so now I’m giving you one to mine." She nodded at the nightstand, where a small silver key lay alone. "This place is a little bit safer.” She started fidgeting. “Actually there have been some break ins but I’ll make sure there aren’t any more.”

  He reached out and caught her wrist gently, voice steady. “Thank you… thank you for finding me. I felt helpless… It was actually horrible.”

  She stared at him, a small tear wiped away from the corner of her eye with a quick movement almost too quick for his eyes to catch but the tension was melting away. “Of course I had to save you. We still have to go on alot more dates-” Her phone dinged and she glanced at the screen. She rubbed her forehead, aggravation flashing across her expression. “Looks like I annoyed someone… I just have to go have a chat with them or else they might come here. It will be fine.”

  He studied her, and he reached out and took her other hand, meeting her gaze.

  “This might be the recent trauma… or the drugs I’m pretty sure I’m on right now… but I think-”

  “No!” she said, starting to turn away. “Don’t say it yet. Just… just… me too. O.k.? I’ll be back soon! Don’t go anywhere.”

  He reached up, reaching for a strand of hair that trailed behind in the air as she pulled away, he could almost feel her concern washing over him in the moment before she turned. She didn’t need to fret—he wouldn’t let this happen again. His mind sharpened, a purpose cutting through the haze.

  ‘What the fuck have I been doing with my powers. Using them on outfits and computers and absolute bullshit… what if it hadn’t been me, what if they’d come for her.’ While Sofia walked away his expression hardened, he’d have to make sure that could never happen again - to him = or anyone he cared for. ‘I need to be powerful… I’ve been traveling through this world with a mindset from when I was essentially a god - But I don't have any backups here - this really might be the last roll of the dice for me.’

  The circumstances that led to our finding a host before dissolution were highly improbable and unlikely to be replicated. Hedy sounded worried when she agreed.

  ‘Yeah it’s not every day insane cultists try to rip someone’s soul out.’ Foster scowled, ‘Step one - know myself. If I’m going to improve I will need to know where I’m at now. Hopefully I’ll learn something useful.’

  Foster stared at his own hand and clenched his fist - then close his eyes - concentrating - suddenly a stream of text boxes appeared.

  Observe - Latent Perk - Accessing System Prompts

  SYSTEM NOTIFICATION - CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE LEVELED UP!

  You decimated the members of the RUSTFANG crew with an IED. Who knew dropping the shield generator on the ground right before the fists flew would displace the overload capacitor? Certainly not you! But it did, so you were still technically responsible for the big boom!

  One gang member (mutant F-) and one gang member (super F-) slain from the blast … just think of it as nice juicy experience points!

  You are now a - Level 2 PROTO-SUPER

  STR (10) /DEX (9)/INT (10)/WIS(9)/CON(17)/CHA(13)

  ·   Your wisdom has grown naturally! Your first instinct was to run, not fight, that’s personal growth!

  You chose to place all 3 attributes in CON! All in yet again!

  +1 CON

  CON 18 - You have achieved the peak of human health. The .1% of the .1% Your body is a temple! Though you’re still weak, slow and kind of dumb - the foundation to a better you is there!

  +1 CON

  CON 19 - You have exceeded mere mortal limits. Your body is now edging into F rank super territory, you are now plague-proof with near limitless energy.

  Derived Minor Powers

  Breath of Titans - You can hold your breath for almost an hour as your body uses its own energy to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. CONs of the CON - Don’t get trapped in a cave in - it will now be a terrible way to die.

  Copper Skin - Subdermal - beneath that pasty white complexion things have gotten interesting. The next time you get a beat down, they’re really gonna have to beat you down!

  +1 CON

  CON 20 - Holy Crud - you went all in on a Constitution build, nobody does that!

  Derived Moderate Powers

  Copper Skin (L2) - not bulletproof to anything of consequence - but you could probably shrug off a .22 with just a bit of blood.

  Iron Bones - Don’t make the mistake of thinking hard-bones make you unbeatable - a powerful enough super (C grade or above) could still shatter them with a punch or maybe they would just rip you apart.

  Void Survivor (Breath of Titans Evolution) -You can exist in space or underwater without oxygen until your energy reserves are depleted. Of course in space you’d probably still just freeze to death or be burned to a crisp depending on where you were and the deep ocean isn’t a healthy place to be either… but it’s still a cool power so I gave it a cool name!

  Mithradantic Consumption - You can straight quaff most poisons with no ill effects. Sorry buddy but even if you drank a gallon of straight everclear you will never get drunk on mortal hooch ever again.

  Rasputinic Regeneration - TIS BUT A SCRATCH - your body will heal to perfection from bullets, burns, acids, and more! You don’t heal as fast as a real regeneration-super but you will still get there given enough time.

  CONSTITUTION LIMIT REACHED! You've achieved the limits of your current form. Higher Levels and greater resources would be required to evolve further.

  CHA + 1 The evolution of mate selection in your species is complicated - but biological fitness, symmetry, immune system strength and more factor in and your perfected constitution has dragged your Charisma up along with it.

  CHA 14 You may appear to be more charming than you really are. Nothing super, just a tiny bit more suave and persuasive.

  OBSERVE (SELF)

  Name: Alexander Foster (Hybrid Host Designation) / [REDACTED] Extra-Dimensional Entity - A soul split across realities, stitched into flesh that’s both a new home and a prison of new desires.

  Species: Nexus Human (Earth 469) / NetherShard Soul Fragment - Nearest Classification Match - UNDEAD / LICH TYPE

  STR (10) /DEX (9*)/INT (10)/WIS(9)/CON(20)/CHA(14)

  Status: Recovering - Moderate Physical Trauma

  ·   Health: 87% and rising (Cracked ribs [3] healing, dislocated shoulder [healed, residual strain], lacerations [multiple, superficial - healing], concussion [mild, impact mitigated by extra-cerebral consciousness]) - projected full recovery by the end of the day.

  ·   Mental State: Stable (Stressors - Fragmented Memory Integration) New relationship (Fear of Rejection), Passive Suicidal Ideation - Previously suppressed by CORE BOUND AI Designation HEDY - Currently Suppressed by New Emotional Anchor Sofia.

  Powers: (Details Collapsed)

  Observe, Enhance, Copper Skin, Iron Bones, Void Survivor, Mithradantic Consumption, Rasputinic Regeneration

  Physical Description:

  ·   Height: 5’10”

  ·   Build: Lean

  ·   Appearance: Dark hair, pale skin (bruised, rapidly healing), gray eyes

  ·   Attire: Black silk clothing (high-quality)

  Temp Modifications: High-tech medical mesh (left arm, ribs) - self-adhering, aether-resistant, bio-regeneration accelerants <1% natural regeneration is already accelerated.

  DIVINE BUFFS/DEBUFFS

  Both a curse and a blessing twist your fate. For details - Higher Level Observe Required.

  ‘Did you see all of that?’

  I did. Only those psychic flashbacks are beyond my perception. What’s your next step?

  ‘Finish healing,’ Foster grinned, ‘Then 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run everyday…’

  Glad as I am that your humor is returning, I doubt you will ever get to the point where you can just punch your way through every problem with overwhelming strength.

  ‘Perhaps not… but that does give me an idea… lets try this!’

  ENHANCE - SELF

  Nothing happened. Foster cycled through various frustrated expressions as he tried to imagine the enhancement working on his ‘self’ until finally another text box sluggishly popped up into view.

  Enjoyable as this is to watch… I’m going to lend you a helping hand.

  While investing in yourself is a great idea, remember that any STAT improvement derived from your innate power will be miniscule and enhancing your constitution beyond this point isn’t even possible currently - also if you’re not choosing an object you have to Choose a STAT or SKILL. You can’t just enhance your whole self - the well of your power doesn’t run that deep.

  “Fine. Thanks.” Foster muttered to the air - narrowing his thoughts down to what he felt he needed now.

  ENHANCE - STRENGTH.

  A ripple of energy traveled through his body but it was gone almost before he even felt it.

  OBSERVE - SELF

  He skimmed past all the same values -

  STR (10) /DEX (9)/INT (10)/WIS(9)/CON(20)/CHA(14)

  “Nothing!?”

  Perhaps the increase is simply too small to be listed.

  More Text bubbles slowly shimmered into view.

  Seriously? I’m not going to list your strength out into deep decimals, at your level of OBSERVE I’m already technically over-sharing! I’ll make this easy on you - your strength just increased by roughly One Percent. You probably could have done the same thing by just working out at the gym a few times.

  Foster grinned, he wasn’t disheartened. He’d never expected to be tossing a school bus.

  “One percent… that’s still something… I can work with that.” Even if all he did was enhance his strength every day by the end of a year he’d be what? At least three times stronger? Assuming it didn’t cap out along the way of course, and he wouldn’t be able to dedicate himself solely to strength - but he was hopeful he could find more ways to level up. Much as he wanted to be stronger he wasn’t going to start going around capping innocent mutants and supers to pull it off.

  He felt a wave of weakness - not physical but psychic as energy was drained from him using his powers to their limits - this time he didn’t fight the call of sleep… just collapsed into slumber.

  ***

  Foster stirred, the fog of sleep peeling back slowly as a cold, wet sensation brushed against his forehead. It felt slick, almost like a tongue, and a faint shiver ran through him. His eyes fluttered open, expecting—hoping?—to see Sofia, but instead, a pair of wide, glistening eyes stared back at him from a face that was decidedly not human. A mutant and also it seemed a doctor, her skin a mottled shade of teal, smooth and faintly iridescent like a newt’s, leaned over him. She wore a crisp white lab coat that hung slightly askew over her petite, amphibious frame, and her tongue—long, forked, and glistening—hovered inches from his skin, retracting quickly as he jolted awake.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  “Whoa—” Foster rasped, voice thick with sleep, blinking hard as he tried to process the sight. The doctor’s head tilted, her large, dark eyes blinking in unison, a faint shimmer crossing them like a second eyelid. Cute, in a weird, otherworldly way, he thought absently. Her webbed fingers pressed gently against his chest, cool and damp, tracing the fading edges of his burn scars with clinical precision and he could make out a name tag on her coat - Dr. Nia Perez.

  “Remarkable,” she murmured, her voice a soft, bubbling trill, like water over stones. “The burn scarring’s nearly gone. Your regeneration rate—it’s… exceptional.” She slipped her fingers into her coat and pulled out a small high end medical-scanner, its screen flickering with biometric data, for it to work out here - it must have cost a small fortune. Her tongue flicked out briefly, tasting the air before she caught herself and tucked it back in.

  Sofia stood a few feet away, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her dark eyes flicking between Foster and the doctor. She shifted her weight, lips pressing into a thin line as the doctor’s webbed hand lingered a beat too long on Foster’s bare skin. He’s mine, she thought, a possessive heat flaring in her chest, though she bit it back. She’s just doing her job - and this is a favor... Don’t be insane. Still, her fingers twitched, itching to nudge the doctor aside. She forced a smile instead, stepping closer. “Thanks, Dr. Nia. I really appreciate you coming by again.”

  Nia straightened, her lab coat rustling as she turned, offering Sofia a small, toothy grin that showed just a hint of pointed teeth. “Dr. Nia?" She sighed and shook her head sadly, "Anything for you, Sofia. He’s stable—better than stable, really. Whatever’s driving this healing, it’s not the mesh.” She patted the high-tech bandages still clinging to Foster’s ribs and arm, their faint glow dimming as they dissolved into his skin. “In fact I think we can take them off now. Just keep him out of trouble, he’s too cute to be all broken, yes?” Her eyes sparkled with a teasing glint, and she gathered her tools, her webbed feet slapping softly against the floor as she moved toward the door.

  Foster pushed himself up to a sitting position, wincing slightly as his ribs twinged—a dull ache only, nothing like the pain from before. The silk sheets slid off him, pooling around his waist, and he glanced down at the black fabric clinging to his frame, opened up to reveal his chest. The bruises were faint now, yellowing at the edges, and the burn scars that had once marred his chest were little more than pale whispers against his skin. He flexed his hand experimentally, feeling the strength beneath the surface, steady and sure. It seems his new constitution was healing more than his most recent wounds.

  Sofia’s gaze softened as she watched him, her flash of jealousy fading into something warmer, almost reverent. How does he keep getting cuter? she wondered, her lips twitching into a private smile. The way his dark hair fell messily over his forehead, the sharp line of his jaw more defined now that the swelling was gone—it was unfair, really. Even after being battered and fresh off a near-death scrap, he looked… good. Too good. Her heart did a little flip, and she found herself embarrassed, suddenly avoiding his eyes.

  “You were staring,” Foster said, his voice low and rough, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as his words brought her attention back to him and he caught her gaze.

  Sofia’s cheeks flushed, and she swatted at the air dismissively, turning to shove the curtains open a bit wider. “Am not. Just… making sure you’re still in one piece. Nia’s the best out here.” She glanced back over her shoulder, her dark eyes gleaming with a mix of relief and something deeper. “You scared the hell out of me, you know.”

  He chuckled, the sound weak but genuine, and swung his legs over the edge of the bed, testing his balance. “Yeah, well, I’m glad you came for me..” He paused, meeting her eyes fully now, the smirk softening. “Thanks, Sofia. For… everything.”

  She crossed the room in two quick strides, dropping onto the bed beside him, close enough that her knee brushed his. “Don’t thank me yet,” she said, her tone light but her expression serious. “You’re not leaving this bed ‘til I’m sure you’re not gonna collapse again.” Her hand hovered over his, then settled there, warm and steady, anchoring him.

  Foster’s smirk faded into a quieter smile, and he turned his hand palm-up, lacing his fingers through hers. “Guess I’m stuck here for a while, then,” he murmured, his gray eyes holding hers, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them.

  Sofia’s breath hitched, but she squeezed his hand back, her voice barely above a whisper. “Good.” In her mind, she added, You should stay forever, but she kept that locked tight.

  “I saw that flicker in your face when she was poking me,” Foster said, his voice rough but laced with a teasing lilt, a smirk tugging at his lips as he caught her staring. “Jealous?”

  Sofia’s cheeks burned, and she snorted, turning half-away to hide the blush. “You wish,” she shot back, her tone playful but brittle with embarrassment, her fingers twitching as she resisted the urge to fidget.

  “Don’t worry,” he said, winking at her, his gray eyes glinting with mischief. “I’d never ditch you for some newtie cutie—even if she is a doctor.” His smirk widened, daring her to react.

  Sofia’s hand darted out as if to punch his shoulder, but she froze mid-motion, her expression softening with a reluctant grin. “I’m saving that punch for later,” she muttered, a snort escaping her—a sound both exasperated and fond. She plopped onto the bed beside him, close enough that her knee brushed his, her earlier jealousy dissolving into a quiet, steady affection.

  Foster’s smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of something heavier—resolve, maybe, tinged with a nervous edge that tightened his chest. “I think we should finally have… a talk,” he said, his voice dropping, each word deliberate. “I’ve been wrestling with whether to tell you something for a long time. If I'm going to be spending more time with you, I can’t keep all my secrets.”

  Sofia’s brow furrowed, curiosity sparking in her dark eyes, though a faint unease coiled in her gut. “I don’t need to know your secrets,” she said quickly, her tone firm but soft, like she was shielding him—or herself. “Do you need to know mine?”

  “No…” He shook his head, exhaling sharply, his fingers flexing against the silk sheets as anxiety gnawed at him. “It’s your choice whether to tell me anything about your past, just like it’s mine to tell you about mine. But there’s something I feel like you need to know. I’m just… worried you’ll never look at me the same.”

  Sofia’s mind raced, her heart stuttering as she studied him. A secret? She’d worked with him for over a year, watched him sling tacos and crack dry jokes—how could he have something she hadn’t sniffed out? Doubt flickered, but curiosity won, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. “After what I did do you really think anything you say would upset me? Lay it on me—what’s got you so twisted up?”

  He took a breath, his gaze dropping to his hands, a shadow of old shame crossing his face. “You already know a little about my backstory?”

  “Yeah,” she nodded, leaning in slightly, her tone light but probing. “You and some classmates got nabbed by cultists during a wall breach a couple years back. Made the news for a day. You carried your girlfriend half a mile to the nearest med center—are you trying to make me jealous now?” She smirked, but it faltered as his expression darkened, a raw edge creeping into his eyes.

  “No…” He swallowed, his voice catching, guilt and dread knotting his throat. “I- Foster, I mean— he never made it back.”

  Sofia blinked, confusion tilting her head as her stomach tightened. “What?”

  He pressed on, words tumbling out like stones down a cliff, heavy and unstoppable. “The cultists were trying to create vessels for their summons—Outsiders. The problem was, a human’s will’s too damn stubborn. They could pull the things in, but people fought back—clinging to morals, ethics, whatever. It wasn’t going the way they expected and a host that resists isn’t what their masters wanted.” His jaw clenched, a bitter twist to his mouth. “So they came up with a rather efficient and... disgusting fix. Lobotomize their sacrifices. They used a neural burn spike - the kind you’d use to tase a chrome-chaser, straight to the brain …before shoving what was left of them into the summoning circles.”

  Sofia’s hands flew to her face, horror blooming in her chest like ice water, her breath hitching as she stared at him, wide-eyed. “Oh my God…”

  “Everyone thinks Katey killed them,” he continued, his voice low, strained with a mix of anger and resignation. “When she triggered, her powers went wild—set the place ablaze. Chaos everywhere. She almost immediately passed out from ascension sickness, but the cultists? They were thrilled. Thought as a super she’d make an even better sacrifice.” He paused, meeting her gaze, his gray eyes sharp with something ancient and unreadable. “What they didn’t know that day was that the eldritch weren’t the only things lurking in the void. When they cracked open that doorway with their hocus-pocus bullshit, I was there—waiting.”

  Sofia blinked again, her hands dropping slowly, shock locking her features as her mind scrambled to keep up. “Wait—what?” Just how badly had those Rustfang bastards messed up Foster? She wished she could bring them back just so she could kill them again.

  “Yeah…” He gave a dry, self-conscious laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassment warring with defiance. “I know I sound nuts. I took over the body — I merged with what was left of the mind and memories. They were expecting me to be some herald of their dark master, so they didn’t see it coming when I grabbed a ceremonial dagger and gutted the one leading the chant, and then the rest of them one by one… I know I don’t seem like I would do something like that but I was hopped up on my bodies residual rage and grief at the time and it didn’t take super-powers once I had the knife… honestly most of them were… I know you aren’t supposed to say this but … they were fat losers. It wasn't a fight, it was a slaughter.”

  She stared, her mouth parting slightly, disbelief crashing against a rising tide of unease. “You’re telling me you’re some… eldritch abomination? Because, no offense, I don’t see Cthulhu as working a drive-thru.”

  “Well… you worked the drive-thru,” Foster’s lips twitched, a flicker of humor softening his tension as he shook his head, “and no I’m not an abomination—I’m pretty much just a person. Think of it like… someone with a super-power, one to cheat death, to hop into a new body when they die. It’s not exactly that, but that’s close enough.” His voice steadied, but a faint tremor of vulnerability lingered, his fingers curling with clenched stress as he braced for her reaction.

  “Okay, then—how’d you die?” Sofia asked, her tone sharp with skepticism, though her heart pounded with a mix of dread and fascination.

  “Cruise ship accident,” he said simply, his gaze steady.

  She scoffed, a nervous laugh bubbling up as she leaned back, crossing her arms again. “Now I know you’re bullshitting me. There haven’t been cruise ships on the oceans in thirty years—not since the Empire of New Atlan claimed the seas.”

  He pointed upward, a faintly forced smile tugging at his lips. “I wasn’t traveling through the oceans.”

  “Oh, fucking hell—” Her eyes widened, a new jolt of incredulity hitting her like a slap. “Now you’re saying you’re an alien?”

  “Not really,” he said, shrugging, though his casual tone couldn’t mask the weight behind it. “I looked like you—mostly. There was an accident—mostly because I was doing something really stupid and I didn’t make it. Next thing I know, I’m here.” He tapped his chest.

  Sofia’s breath caught, her mind reeling as she processed it. Body snatching? The PRU’s top-ten no-no list of banned powers flashed in her head, and a cold spike of worry pierced her. It was bad if he was lying, it was bad if he wasn't, she almost wished he was just messing with her. She shifted, her hands fidgeting in her lap, nails digging into her palms as she searched his face.

  “That’s why I told you it wasn’t your fault Katey and I broke up,” he added, his voice softening, laced with old regret. “I didn’t truly love her anymore. I remembered loving her, puppy love I think —bits and pieces—but it was like it was from another life. I still tried to make it work, thought maybe I could patch Foster’s mind back together, give him his life back when I moved on. It didn’t pan out.”

  Move on?! Her brows knitted, a nervous edge creeping into her voice. “What happened?”

  “There just wasn’t enough left to fix, and there was no way back for me,” he admitted, his tone heavy with resignation, his shoulders slumping slightly. “So instead - it was all me, and I flunked out of school and failed at damn near everything!”

  Sofia’s lips parted, then closed, her heart thudding as worry and empathy tangled inside her. Body snatching’s real—and illegal as hell. She swallowed, her gaze darting away, then back to him, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve never told the PRU any of this? But you’re telling me. Why?”

  He nodded, his gray eyes locking onto hers, raw and unguarded, a quiet plea shimmering in their depths. “I like you and I don’t want a relationship built on a lie. Everything about what you see - is a lie. It’s not really me… but the person you’ve known for the last year… is me.”

  She stared at him, her chest tight with a storm of emotions—shock, fear and other feelings that she couldn’t name yet. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for his, her fingers brushing his knuckles before gripping them tight, anchoring herself. “I… need a minute to wrap my head around this,” she said, her voice shaky but firm, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the chaos in her mind. “Seriously though, is there anything else you’re going to drop on me?”

  Foster tilted his head, his brow furrowing as if he were wrestling with his memories. A shadow of contemplation darkened his features, then he nodded, slow and deliberate, like he’d just made up his mind about something heavy. “I’m suffering from amnesia,” he said, his voice low, tinged with a weary edge. “I can only remember a fraction of my past lives—again, something stupid I did - related to killing Wolfen. And…” His voice dropped down to a whisper, “I’m actually older than you, from a certain point of view.”

  Sofia’s grip on his hand tightened, her dark eyes narrowing as a fresh wave of curiosity—and unease—rippled through her. “How much older than me are you?”

  He looked up at the ceiling, exhaling hard, a dry cough escaping him as he grappled with the absurdity of it. “Like—really old. Like vampire romance novel old.” His gaze dropped back to her, searching, a flicker of dread tightening his chest. “So… if that’s gonna weird you out—”

  “Of course it’s gonna weird me out!” Sofia snapped, her voice spiking with a mix of exasperation and disbelief, her free hand flying up to gesture wildly before she caught herself. “How many relationships have you been in?”

  “Uhmm…” He rubbed the back of his neck again, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips as embarrassment flushed his face. “Remember I said the amnesia thing? You know, I can’t quite… rememmmmber.”

  Her jaw dropped, incredulity flaring hot in her chest. “That sounds like convenient bullshit! Are you telling me you can’t tell me?”

  “I could ask,” his eyes flickered with a nervous glint, like he’d just stepped onto thin ice.

  Sofia’s head tilted, confusion knitting her brows as suspicion crept in. “What do you mean you could ask? Who would you ask…?”

  “Oh yeah…” He winced, a hand dragging down his face as if he’d just remembered the punchline to a bad joke. “I guess I kinda forgot about that. So there’s a voice in my head, Hedy she’s uhm—”

  “So you’re schizophrenic too?” Sofia’s voice cracked, defeat washing over her like a cold tide, her shoulders slumping as her hands fell to her lap, limp and heavy.

  “No, no—nothing like that!” He waved his hands frantically, desperation sharpening his tone as he leaned forward, trying to pull her back from the edge. “It’s an advanced AI, linked to me. Hedy pretty much knows everything about my life.”

  Sofia’s eyes widened, a fresh surge of shock slamming into her, her breath catching as her mind spun. “So there’s an AI—in your head—watching everything you do, everything we do together—and it talks to you—and it’s a girl? And you’re old as dirt, and you’re an alien body-snatching… something? Is there anything else!?”

  Foster froze, his mouth opening, then closing, a flicker of panic dancing in his gray eyes as he weighed his next words. “Uhm… well… ,” he admitted, his voice small, almost a whisper, as guilt and dread coiled tight in his gut. “I mean I’m sure… there’s a few more things, but those are the important ones.”

  Sofia’s face went blank for a split second, then fury erupted, her dark eyes blazing as she shot to her feet. She stormed out of the room, her boots slamming against the floor with a furious rhythm Foster flinched, his heart sinking, a cold wave of regret crashing over him as he stared at the empty doorway.

  But then she stormed back in, her chest heaving, her expression a wild mix of anger and determination. She pointed a trembling finger at him, her voice sharp and commanding. “Don’t you go anywhere,” she barked, her gaze locking onto his, fierce and unyielding, before she spun on her heel again, leaving him sitting there, stunned and breathless, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Then she considered it, and he probably couldn't go anywhere right now... so that was good.

  Sofia stormed back out of the bedroom, her boots thudding against the floors with a furious rhythm, her chest tight with a chaotic swirl of anger, doubt, and something dangerously close to heartbreak. She slammed the door behind her, the sound echoing through the small apartment, and marched into the living room. Her hands shook as she fumbled with her phone, its sleek surface cool against her heated palms. She punched in a number, her breath ragged, and muttered under her breath.

  The line crackled to life, and she didn’t wait for a greeting. “Serpent, it’s me. Send someone—telepath, truth-teller, whatever you’ve got. Send them quick, I’m calling in a favor.” Her voice trembled, fraying at the edges with desperation, and she snapped the line shut before the reply could come. She sank onto the couch, the leather creaking under her and dropped her head into her hands. Her dark hair spilled forward, curtaining her face as worry gnawed at her gut. What if he’s insane? The thought clawed at her, sharp and relentless. What if the person I’ve let into my life—laying in my bed right now—is completely unhinged? Because that all sounds… impossible.

  The air shifted—a faint hiss, a whisper of warm wind—and Sofia’s head snapped up. The Serpent stood in the doorway, her presence filling the room with menace and allure. Sofia hadn’t expected her to be that fast - but at least half of the Eclipse Society had teleporters on stand by, she realized she shouldn’t be surprised.

  “You’ve never invited me in before.” The Serpent was a vision of predatory grace, her lithe frame draped in a shimmering black sequin dress that clung to her curves like liquid night. Where her skin showed it gleamed with a subtle iridescence, a mosaic of emerald and obsidian scales that rippled with every sinuous movement, and her eyes—slitted, golden, and piercing—locked onto Sofia with a considering glint. Her lips parted in a slow smile, revealing a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth, glinting like polished ivory.

  “I still didn’t… and you could’ve sent one of your lieutenants,” Sofia said, her tone sharp with exasperation, though her heart thudded at the sight of the Serpent’s raw, magnetic presence. She was one of the few villains Sofia didn’t want to fight along with the Weaver… because as far as she could tell everything the Serpent did was for her girls, or to protect her people.

  The Serpent stepped closer, her movements fluid and hypnotic, a predator’s dance. “What, and let Mind Flayer or the Confessor near your pretty little boyfriend?” she purred, her voice a low, sibilant caress that sent a shiver down Sofia’s spine. “I don’t think so, darling. Besides…” She flicked her forked tongue, tasting the air, her golden eyes narrowing with a flicker of pride. “I can taste lies myself. A minor psychic gift—it’s what kept me alive and helped me to claw my way up to ruling a portion of the outer zones.” She tilted her head, her coils of crimson colored hair dropping luxuriously behind her. “That’s why I’ve always liked you Nyx, you’ve never once lied to me. In our line of work… that’s refreshing. Makes me wonder if we could be friendssss.” She grinned again flashing a corner smile of teeth.

  Sofia stood, crossing her arms, but before she could respond, the Serpent’s gaze slid past her to the closed bedroom doorway.

  “Before we go in there…” Sofia grimaced, “He doesn’t know-” She swallowed. Realizing that for all Foster had shared with her - she hadn’t told him much about her own life.

  “I understand.” The Serpent smiled, “I’m your friend, mm… oh Melodie, Melodie Rain!” She winked and flowed away with graceful steps, opening the door.

  Foster leaned against the frame, shirt open, the silk sheets draped low around his hips, his pale skin catching the dim light. His gray eyes met the Serpent’s without flinching, steady and unflustered despite the surreal tableau before him.

  The Serpent’s smile turned playful, a predator sizing up prey—or perhaps a rival. “So this is my competition?” she whispered, her tone dripping with mock surprise as she almost glided towards him. She stopped close—too close—her head tilting as she studied him, her tongue flicking out to taste the air near his skin. “Pale and thin, like a poet wasting away for love. I see what you like about him, Sofia.” She leaned in, her movements slow and deliberate, her scales glinting as she played up her serpentine nature—sinuous, sensual, a living coil of danger and desire. Her sharp-toothed grin widened, daring him to react.

  Foster didn’t blink, didn’t recoil, just held her gaze with that quiet, unreadable calm of his. If anything he just looked … confused. The Serpent’s eyes gleamed with approval, a spark of interest flickering there. “Not a mutant hater, then,” she noted, her voice softening slightly. “Good. Too many out here would’ve screamed or started gibbering by now.”

  She turned back to Sofia, her grin shifting to something sly, teasing. “I don’t mind sharing, you know. Do you mind sharing?” Her golden eyes flicked to Foster, her head tilting as she purred, “Do you mind sharing?”

  Sofia’s exasperation boiled over, her hands flying up as she snapped, “You can flirt with my boyfriend later!” She stepped forward, her voice firm despite the flush creeping up her neck. “Foster—please, how much of what you told me is true?”

  He straightened, his expression softening, though a flicker of nerves tightened his jaw. “All of it,” he said, his voice steady with a quiet, desperate honesty.

  Sofia’s gaze snapped to the Serpent, her heart pounding as she searched those slitted eyes for confirmation. The Serpent tilted her head, her tongue flicking once more, tasting the air around Foster. After a beat, she nodded, her voice smooth and certain. “He believes he speaks the truth.”

  Relief flooded Sofia’s chest, a warm rush that loosened the knot of dread she’d been carrying. She exhaled shakily, her shoulders sagging as she processed it. He’s not lying. She didn’t know if he was crazy—hell, he might be, he probably was—but he wasn’t deceiving her. Crazy I can handle, she thought, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Liar? No.

  The Serpent’s gaze slid back to Foster, her interest sharpening, a flirtatious edge curling her smile as she slithered closer. “You smell… delicious,” she murmured, her voice a velvet hiss, her golden eyes half-lidded as she leaned in, her scales brushing the air near his arm. “So healthy. Like something rare and forbidden.”

  Sofia’s patience snapped. She pointed to the door, her tone clipped but grateful. “Thanks for the help, Melodie. Now get out.” The Serpent chuckled, a low, throaty sound, and moved toward the exit, her hips rolling smoothly from side to side, pace unhurried, she threw back a glance and winked at them both from the living room before disappearing in tiny flash of red smoke that smelled like cinnamon.

  The moment she was gone, Sofia turned, her resolve crumbling as she threw herself onto the bed beside Foster. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close, her face burying into his chest as a wave of guilt and relief crashed over her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, “Sorry for testing you.” Her voice muffled against his skin, trembling with emotion. “I’ve been tricked before—people lying to me, using me. I’m not always smart enough to see through it and I’ve made some terrible mistakes… I don’t care if you think you’re an alien or a thousand years old or… whatever. As long as you’re not lying to me, I can deal with the rest.”

  Foster’s arms tightened around her, his breath warm against her hair as he held her, a quiet, steady anchor in the storm of her doubts. His gray eyes softened, a flicker of something unspoken—shimmering there as he pressed his lips to the top of her head, letting the silence speak for him.