ture of weariness and affection that felt strangely familiar to Alastor. The woman, her eyes crinkling at the corners, stepped inside fi

g awkward and unfamiliar on his tongue. He felt a strange tug, a pull towards them that warred with the cold logic in his mind.

mforting. He placed a hand on Alastor's shoulder, a light touch that sent a surprising jolt of warmth through him. It was a simpl

g any mention of the alley or his previous life. They listened intently, their expressions filled with a loving concern that felt both genuine and disturbin

eal talk less of sharing with others. The conversation flowed easily; laughter mingled with shared stories, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity he'd onl

actured warmth, knowing that it was only a test, a mirage that would eventually vanish. He basked in the illusion of family, a family he knew existed only in his heart, a family he was desperately trying to create but could not yet find in reality. This acceptance of the illusion was the test. The humming intensified, a counterpoint

---

pite the persistent hum that never truly faded, found himself growing increasingly fond of his dream family. They were everything he'd ever wanted, a refuge from the harsh reality of his past. His

eeting inconsistencies that betrayed the illusion's artificiality. The way the light always seemed to fall just so, the p

dream didn't offer a simple challenge; it offered a temptation, a cleverly disguised trap. It lured you in with the ful

wn it was a test, a trial of strength. He'd fought tooth and nail to survive in the alley, to withstand the hunger and the cold, to endure the pain. He wo

. The hum intensified, a low thrumming that vibrated through his bones. But it was different now. It felt... d

actured happiness. He felt the pull, the seductive whisper of the dream urging him to stay, to abandon the struggle, to accept the illusion as his reality. Doubt gnawed at him, eroding his resolve. He clung to his memories, his determination, his will to fight against the alluring trap, the comforting lie. He