{{Unedited}}   After waiting for their bags, Austin and Marielle walked out into the brisk New York air. It pricked Marielle’s skin and nose as they moved across the street to the car rental place. “That ain’t no ninety-degree weather,” he chuckled, both remembering how hot it had been even three weeks ago. “Yeah, I …

{{Un-edited}} “Vinnnnnnceeeeennnnnt!!!” The voice was so sing-song that it put knots in Vincent’s stomach. It wasn’t long after that the assailant began to sing… in Italian. It echoed eerily down the dark halls on the second floor at Valorant. Vincent took off running, and scurried around a corner, and into the lab. He glanced around …

{{Un-edited}} Marielle helped Sabine pick out a dress, which felt utterly surreal and in truth, they didn’t say much to one another. When Sabine tried on a black wedding gown that seemed too demure and frilly, and stood on the pedestal in front of the mirror practically frowning, she turned back to Han and Marielle. …

{{Un-edited}} Marielle wandered into the kitchen at Valorant, not entirely sure of what she was after… something salty? Sweet? She poked her head into the cabinet that usually had all the snacks and pursued the variety; cookies, crackers, meat sticks, candy, trail mixes. She settled on a small bag of plain potato chips and paused …

{{Unedited}} When your name rolls across my tongue, I taste all the delectable sweetness of a life that I never knew that I was missing. Everything was void, tasteless and momentary until I met you. You are the flavor that sprinkles my very existence with elation, peace, impartation, and desire. Everything else has turned to …

{{Unedited}} The strong scent of petrichor was blooming all over the dirt road, the asphalt and pavement as Austin ran, his feet pounding, his heart racing wildly. The skies tore open as large rain drops plunked down to earth, and fell onto his hair and face. He paused, needing the break anyways, and leaned against …

{{Unedited}}   Vincent looked to Klara and she nodded at him before he glanced back over the drawings. “Okay, that looks about right,” he said, noting the teleporter that they’d detailed on paper. This was what would take them to other worlds; other dimensions. So intricate, and full of life, and yet Klara looked like …

{{Unedited}}   A day had passed and not much had been said about the incident with Cory, nor had she had a lot of contact with Austin. Cory’s words twisted in her mind and her stomach, making her feel a deep sorrow and anxiety. She had compassion for Vincent and his situation and she understood …

{{Unedited}} Vincent followed suit, slipping into his pants. “You’re going to leave me here?” Marielle asked twisting her fingers together. “He just revealed that he has no idea where you are… but he’s going to find out. So, you’ll be safe here. But he’s definitely at Valorant,” Vincent was saying as he pulled a shirt …

{{Unedited}}   When they left the meeting room, they were met with a man somewhere between forty and forty-five. He had dark skin and eyes that were full of experience. He extended his hand to Austin. “Rancor,” he said and Austin took his hand and gave him a strong handshake. “I’m Aaron Falk.” Austin’s gaze …