Morning! Shadow, you know you've made it when other people are writing about your stuff. Hope you like. Shadow smiled as she walked the paths, remembering Variks' sweet proposal. He had finally done it, after four years of uncertainty, apprehension and doubt, he had finally proposed. Granted, it wasn’t how the Awoken would’ve done it, but she didn’t care. She was going to be his queen. Someone cleared their throat nearby, and it was dark enough that the sound made Shadow tense. She stopped walking, and gripped the hilt of her Steady Hand. She eyed the shadows, looking for targets, something that was usually easier for her to do. But tonight, the shadows molded to fit a particular form, a specific figure. “Cor.” The name was like acid on Shadow's tongue. She wanted to spit. “Ding ding ding,” the figure replied. The shadows peeled away to reveal a man leaning, arms crossed against the stone wall. He watched her with a firm expression. “And how are you this fine evening?” “Better than you’re going to be if you don’t leave,” Shadow replied, drawing her hand cannon faster than thought. Its barrel stared Cor in the face. He was unmoved. “Come now,” he chided. “Is that any way to treat your—” Shadow fired. The bullet flew for one second flat before ice rose from the ground and froze the slug midair. Neither of them moved. Eventually the ice fell and the bullet with it, clanking against the ground. “Stasis?” Shadow breathed. She scoffed after a moment. “I should’ve figured.” Cor inspected a fingernail meticulously. “Darkness is all the rage these days. Your…friend would know about that, wouldn’t he?” He raised an eyebrow. “Variks, I think is his name? You two close?” Were they close? Shadow laughed. “More than you think. I’m going to be his queen.” Now Cor laughed, loudly. “That’s a hoot! Best one I’ve heard in a long time. But then…you never joked around me.” He flicked his wrist at her and stasis crystals wrapped around her legs, holding her still. The ice climbed up to her chest, but stopped at her chin. She reached for her blades, but all warmth was gone. “Now you listen close,” Cor whispered in her ear. “If I catch you anywhere near that…dreg, so help the Traveler I will put a bullet through his head before your eyes, then I’ll put one in yours. The Traveler denied them, and so should we.” “You denied the Traveler,” Shadow gasped. “You chose Darkness. I have denied you. There is no light left in you or your Ghost, Cor.” He smiled, that wicked, dark smile Shadow remembered so well. He gave a low chuckle and backed away. “Just following the family tradition.” He pulled his hand inward and the shadows started to wrap around him again. “Don’t get rezzed…sis. Hate to be the one to kill your Ghost.” Shadow screamed, and let her light explode. She had never been so grateful for her blades in her life. The ice around her exploded with flame and she threw knives at Cor, but he was already gone. She screamed again and fired her gun at the wall. Her Ghost appeared at her side. “Was that…” “Yes.” Shadow nodded and looked at him. “Should I contact Variks?” “No. Contact…Eris.” “But isn’t she…” “She’ll understand. I hope. Just tell her that Cor is back. My…brother is alive. And a user of Stasis.” Will there be a part 2? Maybe. Also, would anyone from the lore community have tips on writing fiction? Trying to write more. Thanks! -Snakehide