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hey hey psst you guys should play this visual novel called “when the night comes” psst hey hey hEY—

Character Info for When The Night Comes

I’ll be honest, this got away from me a bit. I am not entirely sure this is coherent and I had to fight myself to not info-dump because I have so many thoughts on these dorks. For @galleywinter who has been patient with my need to scream about this fantastic game

Les Full Name: Alessa Mylona – also answers to Lessa Age: 27 Height: 5’10”

Les is the Hunter General in Lunaris. She’s headstrong, composed, and very much a stickler for the rules. She can be a bit standoffish at first – but is always willing to take the time and listen if someone needs her. She’s been a bit of an overachiever since she was young, which tends to rub off on the people around her whether they want it to or not. She’ll follow the spirit of the law rather than the letter of it – she’s gotten a fair share of citations in her files from going against orders when she felt it wasn’t the right thing to do. She can be very caring when needed, but tries to hold herself apart from people to help with her work.

She was orphaned at a young age, and was too difficult of a child to find a home anywhere until she was taken in by the Hunters. She puts a great deal of effort into appearing the ‘perfect’ Hunter, mostly out of fear she’ll lose the one family she’s ever really known. Although she worked on her own the first few years, she and Wren partnered on a difficult assignment and have been inseparable ever since. At the academy she specialized in Demonology – she fights with a weighted quarterstaff mostly but also has a few smaller silver daggers (just in case).

Les knew of the Piper Meriman before coming to Lunaris, more as the legend of a Hunter than as a real person. It was a bit of an early blow to find out the Enforcers would cast aside someone with that kind of reputation, though it did give her the chance to get being starstruck out of her system (and somewhere Piper couldn’t see her). There’s never been any hesitation on her part with letting Piper take the lead, not only because Piper is a force of nature but because Les likes having a chance to not be in charge of everything. Piper is one of the few people who can get her to shirk responsibility and just have fun.

Wren Full Name: Florian Laurent Age: 26 Height: 5’7”

Wren is the Hunter General’s right hand. They are very quiet, seeming almost shy, but they can be unyielding as steel. They are fiercely loyal to those they care about, almost to the point of absurdity. Although dedicated to their career as a Hunter, they weren’t prepared for volume of bureaucratic nonsense that came with the territory of trying to help people. Wren will flout any rule necessary to do the right thing, at least the right thing by their standards. They’re much more empathetic than their partner, and don’t bother to maintain a distance from the people in their life.

Wren grew up the oldest of three children – their father was forcibly retired as a Hunter due to a spinal injury. Hoping to carry on the family tradition of being a ‘hero,’ they studied and trained until they could be tested. Although never a truly model student, they were still one of the best. They specialized in Weapons and Combat training and spent their first few years in the field honing their tracking skills. They are unparalleled at laying traps and setting ambush locations – usually with some guidance from Les. They prefer to fight from a distance, using ranged weapons and resorting to daggers only when necessary.

They were wholly unprepared for the Lunarian double-threat of Omen and Alkar. Both of them had a unique charm, and proved to be effortlessly entertaining for the needling-inclined Wren. The two of them served as a good distraction and break from the insanity that was the investigation, and Wren was more than happy to play matchmaker in the early stages of their relationship. It can be a bit tricky for them to not get sucked into teaming up with one or the other to get the third, but in reality that’s part of the fun of their relationship.

 Les and Wren

They started working together three years before coming to Lunaris after teaming up together on a particularly tricky mission. Wren liked the convenience of having what was essentially a battering ram on their side, while Les appreciated knowing there was someone at her back to help out. Although Hunter teams are not common, and are often split up if called for, the two of them fought tooth and nail to be kept together every time they needed to be transferred.

Not only in sync in battle, the two also work well together off the field. Les is much better suited to maneuvering (read: manipulating) the Enforcers to get what they need whereas Wren has been much better at connecting to the Creatures and getting insider information. Although both have their own way of handling civilians, they ultimately have the same goal: to put on a good face for the organization, despite the recent situation.

 Alaric Full Name: Gideon Alaric Fehler Age: 31 Height: 6’2”

Alaric came to Lunaris by chance, as a Hunter on a specialty assignment. Although he holds himself proudly there’s always a mischievous glint in his eyes. He’s a sucker for having a laugh and a round of ales in the tavern, as much as he enjoys the sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing a town that fees safe because of the work the Hunters do. As he operates, to some degree, outside of the standard Hunter/Enforcer system he can come off a bit of a loose cannon, but at the end of the day his interest is protecting the people.

Originally from Thiyrus, Alaric was sent to join the Hunters by his mother who dreamed of having her son grow up to be strong and a protector for their homeland. Although she did get her wish, he always carried a hint of resentment at the pain her choice brought him. Despite this, he dedicated all his time and effort to his training and studies: he specialized in Alchemy and Demonology both. In combat training he favored short swords, enjoying the adrenaline rush that came from being in the middle of a fight and dancing around his opponents.  

Alaric fell hard and he fell fast for August – as comically “love at first sight” as can be imagined. He was immediately drawn in by their grace, composure, and the raw depth of power he could sense under their skin. Due to the nature of their work, he originally decided not to act on his feelings as he felt a workplace relationship was not the best idea. The longer their task kept him in Eskria, and by extension in Lunaris, the more he found himself wishing to court them. The delight he felt when his interest was immediately (and intensely) returned was palpable, and the two have been nigh inseparable since.

 Poppy Full Name: [Redacted] – Also answers to Pippa, Pips, and Pip (only used by Alaric) Age: 24 Height: 5’1” or 5’2”

Poppy is not a Hunter, but a Witch working under the mantle of Enforcer, though their history with the organization can be considered complicated at best. They hold themselves tightly, observing with sharp eyes rather than interacting with the world around them. There’s a sly humor to them if caught at the right moment – they are guilty of playing small tricks just to get a laugh out of a group of children more than once. They are also sharply intolerant of those who would do harm to others out of fear and misunderstanding, leaving them usually opposition with others in their order. Underneath the hard exterior is someone very afraid of being vulnerable – something they spend a lot of time trying to hide.

Protective of their origins, Poppy doesn’t talk much about who they are and where they’re from, not even to those they consider close friends. Although Alaric seems to hold many of their secrets, even he will say he knows almost nothing. They do frequently allude to being from somewhere “far away” and come from a “rather large” family – brothers and sisters of all sorts are mentioned in passing. At some stage they received both magic and combat training: their skill with barriers and forcefields is unmatched and the enchanted blade hanging at their side is not just for show. They are an alchemist on the side, mostly using the skill to brew potions and poultices for their frequently injured Hunter.

As they arrived in Lunaris several months before everything truly went to shit, they were able to catch a glimpse of Finn and Ezra together in their prime. Though instantly intrigued by both of them, Poppy was content to have their relationship stand at “enthusiastic flirting” and nothing more. After Finn’s attempt at distancing and the escalation of Lunaris’ problems, Poppy was unexpectedly caught up in their reunion – quite literally walking in on them shortly after they reconciled. Though it was uncharted territory for them they will grudgingly admit it all worked out in the end, and that they are happier for it.

 Alaric and Poppy

Having originally met on a special assignment in Aclea, the two of them complimented each other perfectly as both fighters and scholars. As both of them specialized in locating, identifying, and containing magical phenomena they were quickly organized into a specialist unit. Though this meant they were forced to travel in excess, it gave them both the opportunity they wanted to forge their own roles within their respective organizations.

Being sent to investigate the sudden spike in supernatural events across Eskria, and in Lunaris in particular, this assignment is their first “long-term” arrangement somewhere. It has provided Alaric the opportunity to train and fight beside one of his personal heroes, and has given Poppy the space to experiment with new recipes and spells. Though certainly one of their more challenging assignments, it is proving to be one of the most rewarding as well.

WTNC Mini-Fics

So @galleywinter threw a challenge flag at my head to start writing again. These are dedicated to her (thank you for listening to me scream on discord for a week)

Under the cut because there’s a few of them and it got kinda long.

Butterflies in your stomach and your heart skipping beats- that can’t be safe

Alkar is pouting again.

Wren still finds it adorable, likes to watch from the warmth of Omen’s embrace (be it tail or arms) as the two of them watch their wolf stalk around their home, muttering under his breath as he rearranges things that don’t need to be moved. Sometimes they wake at night, red eyes glaring in the dark even as he burrows deeper in between the two of them.

It’s just feelings, Alkar, they’d tried to tell him, palms pressed against his cheeks. His ears had gone back and he’d scowled.

Doesn’t feel healthy, his grumble hadn’t done anything to hide the blush skating across his cheeks.

Tonight… tonight is different – tonight there’s only two of them. Laid out under the night sky, grass soft beneath them as they trace meaningless patterns between the stars. The earth is cool against their skin, but held by the living furnace that is Alkar Wren barely even notices.

It would be easier, they muse, with Omen there. But he had gone to see Elaine and Armaros, so Wren was on their own to keep Alkar from sulking into the next century.

“Hey,” they say, turning far enough to slide a hand into his hair.

“Hey yourself,” he mumbles, flicking back the ear they had been reaching for.

“You’re pouting again.”

“Am not.”

“Alkar.” Wren sighs. “You can say you miss him. It won’t kill you.”

“I do not miss people,” his voice is just a hair above a growl. Wren ignores the small thrill it sends through them.

“Oh?” Wren puts on a fake pout (they’ve gotten better since practicing their Alkar imitation.) “Not even me? I guess that means I can go away on longer assignments then?”

There’s a moment where they swear they see fear in Alkar’s eyes, and then he’s on top of them, pinning them to the ground while they try to get enough air to laugh under the weight of a six-something Lycan.

“Mean,” Alkar says, nipping at the shell of their ear. “You are mean.”

Wren buries their hands in his hair, holding him close.

“You love it.”

Praying won’t do you much good around here.

She knows there’s something wrong in Lunaris from the moment they arrive. Call it a feeling, superstition, paranoia from years of Hunter training to see threats around every corner.

Night falls in waves in this town: one calm as the sky after rain and one oppressive enough to be felt. There is a night of starry skies and a night cloaked in shadow so dark her bones ache.

The people are terrified to be outside, running for safety as the sun sinks below the horizon. They watch with shuttered, suspicious eyes as she carries out her investigation, wishing for an end to the madness and not sure if they can believe she’ll be the one to deliver it.

Hell, she isn’t even sure she can save them. Lunaris keeps many secrets, and it keeps them well protected. Even those who offer her their assistance, their friendship, look at her with apologies scrawled on their faces. They know things, they don’t tell her these things, and she runs into every problem blind.

Don’t trust anyone.

The sooner she can get this done, free this town from whatever nightmare that holds it this time, the sooner she can get away.

I'm not playing 20 questions with you

Two cards hit the table – a 3 from Omen and a 10 from Poppy.

“Favorite place to be during the day?”

“Down in the markets,” Omen replied dutifully. Poppy began scrawling his answer in their notes as he continued. “There’s a lot of activity so it’s easier to get a read on people.”

Alkar snorted into his tankard in what might have been contempt. Hard to tell with him.

Their table is surprisingly tame for its current occupants. Alkar, it seems, is contenting himself with watching their game while studiously ignoring the looks he’s getting from the other patrons. Alaric, for once, has his “let’s fuck with Alkar” gauge set to low, because he’s been nothing but well-behaved since they sat down.

They had seen Finn and Ezra only briefly, the two had kept their heads down and come and gone in record time. Ezra had looked like hell: Poppy had heard from passersby earlier that afternoon that someone in town had been badly hurt in the woods. Maybe they hadn’t made it.

They flipped another round of cards.

Omen made a small sound of delight and Poppy looked own. Omen’s King outclassed their 8 by a long shot. They raised their glass and took a drink.

Omen grinned, mindful of his tusks. “What is your favorite color?”

“Green,” Poppy replied immediately. “Emerald green, more specifically.”

“Bullshit,” Alkar smacked a hand on the table. “I’ve never seen you wear anything green!”

“You don’t have to wear something for it to be your favorite color,” Omen replied, though he added that fact to the list on his page as well.

“Not that it’s any concern of yours, but I do wear green. Almost every day, in fact.” Poppy looked up at him without raising their head. “Just because it’s somewhere you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.”

Alkar sputters and goes red: Alaric raises his glass in toast. Poppy tries very hard to ignore the grin on Omen’s face that had gone from curious to mischievous faster than expected.

“If you have any further questions you are welcome to join the game,” Poppy offers in lieu of addressing it. Alkar’s nose crinkles.

“I’d pay to see that,” Alaric muses. “Where do you live? Fuck off. Why don’t you wear shoes? Fuck shoes. Do you have any other clothes? Fuck clothes.”

Omen has a hand over his mouth to hide his laughter – the shaking of his shoulders would give him away were it not for the fact that Alkar had his wrath focused on the Hunter across from him.

“I know more words than fuck,” Alkar sneers. “And I do own other clothes thank you very much.” He turns his attention to Poppy and Omen. “Don’t write that down it doesn’t count.

They both write it down anyway. He tells them both to go fuck themselves.

Time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted

“Hunter,” there was a warning in August’s voice. “We’re supposed to be working.”

Alaric hummed, contemplative, even as he crowded August back against their desk. “Work will still be here in the morning, General.” Slowly, giving August the chance to back out if they wanted it, he raised his hands to their shoulders, sliding palms down their arms until he could tangle his fingers with theirs. “I seem to remember someone making me a promise to stop sleeping in their office.” August rolled their eyes, but the defensive set of their jaw had softened as soon as his hands were on them.

“It’s hardly late enough for that to be a concern.” They sighed, leaning their forehead against his and closing their eyes. “I’m not going to overdo it.”

“Uh-huh.” Alaric tugged at their joined hands, pulling August’s body forward against his. “Let me take you home, August. The reports can wait.”

“I have to get these done before the gala on Friday,” they warned, even as they let themselves be drawn across the office. “I can’t keep wasting time.”

“Resting is not wasting time.”

August arches an elegant brow at him. “I very much doubt whatever is on your mind could be considered resting, Hunter Fehler.”

Alaric didn’t bother hiding his smirk. “Come now, give your husband some credit. You know I have your best interests at heart.”

“We’ll see.” August took their hands back, nodding towards the door. “Lead the way home then, husband.”

I think it's safe to say that we have a really big problem on our hands.

Piper is laughing at her.

Correction, Piper is laughing at the ground, if only because she is doubled over and cackling hard enough that she can’t stand up straight.

“You could be helping me, you know.” If her voice is sharp it’s deserved. So much for being partners, eh General?

“Right, right,” Piper makes a half-hearted attempt to get herself under control. “Sorry, Lieutenant General.”

Alkar headbutts her again. Piper starts on another round of laughter.

“I hate you both so much right now,” Greer mutters, feeling the beginnings of a blush creeping up her neck. She places her hand in the middle of Alkar’s furred forehead and braces the next time he tries to push forward. “Personal space much?”

For all her years of service, she could firmly say she’d never seen a Lycan under the full moon pout. She wishes that were still true.

“Oh gods now he’s sulky,” Piper manages between gasping breaths for air. “You hurt his feelings Hunter Taggart.”

Greer cuts a glare in her direction. “You can start being useful at any time, Merriman.”

Her attention divided, Alkar takes the opportunity to press his head against her stomach. Again.

“Fucking- Alkar!”

“All right, all right.” Greer watches as Piper bodily pulls herself together. “Let’s see if we can’t get him to Finn. Hopefully that ancient mosquito will know what to do.”

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: When The Night Comes (Visual Novel) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Finnegan Kazimir/Original Female Character(s), Hunter (When the Night Comes)/Original Character(s), Ezra Lyon/Original Female Character(s), August Willenheim & Original Female Character(s) Characters: Finnegan Kazimir, Ezra Lyon, August Willenheim, Alkar Cassian, Omen Morningstar, Piper Meriman, Original Characters Additional Tags: WTNC, Vampires, Demons, Lycans, Mystery, Romance, Witches, Magic Summary:

Aria Thorne, a renowned Hunter has been sent to the town of Lunaris to investigate a series of murders. Sounds easy-except it isn't.

There's a Vampire Clan, a Lycan and apparently a Demon in town, not to mention the small cult, which only complicates things. The evidence is slim-to-none and she's somehow the only one qualified to figure the mess out.

On top of that she might be falling in love.

Now with a Cover! ~♥~

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: When The Night Comes (Visual Novel) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Finnegan Kazimir/Original Female Character(s), Hunter (When the Night Comes)/Original Character(s), Ezra Lyon/Original Female Character(s), August Willenheim & Original Female Character(s) Characters: Finnegan Kazimir, Ezra Lyon, August Willenheim, Alkar Cassian, Omen Morningstar, Piper Meriman, Original Characters Additional Tags: WTNC, Vampires, Demons, Lycans, Mystery, Romance, Witches, Magic Summary:

Aria Thorne, a renowned Hunter has been sent to the town of Lunaris to investigate a series of murders. Sounds easy-except it isn’t.

There’s a Vampire Clan, a Lycan and apparently a Demon in town, not to mention the small cult, which only complicates things. The evidence is slim-to-none and she’s somehow the only one qualified to figure the mess out.

On top of that she might be falling in love.

*Update* The Fic has been Completed!

Also have One shot fics posted, so feel free to check those out.

From Chapter 16, Hunter/Hunted

So I recently discovered this game and OH MY LAWD ♥‿♥ My writing juices are flowing ｡◕‿◕｡

!!! NEWS FLASH !!! When the Night Comes The Awesome REVAMP With voice acting, new sprites, new CGs and all Is now officially available on  —> Itchio <–

Lunar Festival with Ezra

As he had predicted, Finn informed me that I might discover Ezra engrossed in buying heavily discounted goods. So, I made my way toward a section of the marketplace where vendors sold herbs, spices, and other items that could prove useful to a local witch. A shock of white hair caught my attention, and when I called out his name, Ezra turned around to face me. "Oh, Maia!" he exclaimed, looking surprised before flashing a smile. "I didn't expect to see you standing there." He placed a neatly wrapped package of Skeletal Touch-Me-Nots into the pouch on his belt. The petals of the flowers were wilted and twisted into the shape of a sinister, grinning skull.

I raised an eyebrow curiously and asked him, "What do you plan on using those for?" He responded with a playful eye roll and motioned for me to follow him as he strolled towards the next stall. "I don't buy these for the insidious reason you're thinking. They're for medicinal purposes, not hallucinogenic ones."

I playfully roll my eyes and give him a light nudge on the arm while smiling, "I wasn't about to pass judgment." He chuckles and shakes his head. "I know you weren't. I just wanted to clarify that I'm not up to anything nefarious." We continue to meander from one vendor to another, and Ezra seems pleased to have my company.

I relish observing him as he eagerly explores the unique merchandise, admiring his enthusiasm and how skillfully he interacts with the diverse vendors. He haggles with a particularly obstinate herbalist over the price of her angelica root, and despite walking away with a scowl, his expression lightens up when he spots me. He winks at me, his eyes sparkling, and jokes, "They always fall for that one."

Returning his smile, I respond, "You seem to have quite the knack for this." He nonchalantly shrugs, but it's apparent that he's proud of his bargaining skills. "Running a business by yourself is difficult. You have to be smart," he pauses for a moment, before adding, "That reminds me, I need to pick out a new spell book. I filled up the last one." He looks down at me with a grin, then motions in the direction he wants to go. "Care to help me? There's a great craft stall that Finn showed me a while back." I nod in agreement, responding, "Of course. Lead the way."

We make our way through the bustling market, weaving past vendors selling everything from exotic spices to intricate tapestries. The colorful canopies overhead provide a warm shelter from the chilly night breeze that sweeps through the market. As we approach the corner of the market where the craft stall is located, Ezra points out various stalls along the way, detailing his past interactions with the vendors and recommending some of his favorite goods.

The warm glow of candlelight casts flickering shadows around us as we find the craft stall. The night air is thick with the sweet scent of incense, and the sound of distant music drifts through the market. Ezra's eyes light up as he spots a forest green, leather-bound book, its thick parchment pages almost begging to be filled with secrets and spells. He eagerly passes over his coins to the vendor, his fingers tracing the intricate designs on the cover. "I go through these quickly. I tend to be a bit of a scribbler," he explains with a grin as he flips through the pages.

I let out a soft chuckle and give Ezra a friendly pat on the back. "Well, this looks like the perfect book for you. Let's see what wonders you can create with it," I say before posing a question. "Do you use them purely for spells?" His fingers pause in tracing the pages, and after a moment's reflection, he shakes his head. "As I specialize in healing, I like to get lost in a good medical journal every now and again. It might not be conventional to study such things, but I find it helps me really understand what kind of healing spells I need to develop." With a slight tilt of my head, I gaze up into his bright green eyes with genuine curiosity. "What made you choose healing as your specialty?"

A sad look crosses his face as he gazes down at the book in his hand. "My Dad was killed when I was quite young. My magic had manifested, but I was completely helpless. From that day on, I promised myself that if anyone I loved was ever in danger, that I'd be able to help them. I haven't broken that promise just yet, and hopefully, I never will."

His voice is filled with determination, and I can sense the weight of his past on his shoulders. I place a comforting hand on his arm and offer my condolences, "I'm so sorry for your loss." He smiles bravely, and I'm struck by his resilience. After tucking the book safely away in his pouch, he grasps my hand and gives it a grateful squeeze. "Thank you."

He takes a deep breath, his eyes briefly flickering to where our hands meet before he continues, "I beat myself up over it for a long time, but I turned my pain into something that can help others. It's what my father would have wanted. I do it for him." I squeeze his arm as I give him a warm smile, "You're amazing, Ezra. I admire you."

"That means a lot coming from someone like you. You're so brave to do what you do." Despite the sadness that lingers in his eyes, I can see the determination and passion burning within him, and it only makes me admire him more.

My smile widens as he leans into my touch, and I can feel my heart swell with fondness. Despite the freezing cold, he radiates warmth. "Looks like we're both doing our part to save the world then." He chuckles, a closed-eyed smile on his face. "Yes, we are," he agrees, his eyes opening to meet mine with kindness and softness. "But really, thank you. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people."

Giving him one last caring squeeze, I reluctantly remove my hand. Ezra drops his gaze, his lashes kissing the tops of his freckled cheeks. He shivers, rubbing his hands together. "It's freezing. How about we go get a hot drink and you can tell me about that headache of yours?" he suggests, looking up at me with concern etched on his face.

Excitedly, I nod in agreement with Ezra's suggestion, feeling the chill of the cold air on my skin. "Sounds perfect," I reply, rubbing my hands together for warmth. We make our way to a cozy stall and order two steaming cups of hot chocolate, inhaling the sweet aroma as we wait. Once our drinks arrive, we take a seat on a pile of plush, mismatched cushions that the vendor had thoughtfully arranged. The hot chocolate is topped with a generous helping of whipped cream and marshmallows, making it the perfect treat for the chilly day. Comfortably seated, we sit in contented silence for a while, watching the passersby and chuckling at the sight of Piper chasing after a speedy Alkar.

Ezra takes a sip of his hot chocolate, shaking his head as he contemplates the chaos that Alkar might be causing. "I dread to think what he's getting up to." Holding his drink in his lap, Ezra turns his attention to me with concern etched on his face "How have you been feeling since...you know?" he asks, his worry evident in his gaze. I toy with the rim of my cup, shrugging. "I'm okay, apart from the fact that I slept all day and missed a meeting with Harry." I admit, grimacing at the memory of my displeased enforcer. “I think August wants me dead."

Ezra chuckles, playfully nudging his shoulder against mine. "I'm sure they don't. You'd certainly know about it if they did. Trust me." We both laugh, but I don't doubt that he's telling the truth. We finish our drinks, missing their warmth the second our cups are discarded. Ezra suggests finding something to do that might warm us up, so we follow the sound of music emanating from a nearby area of the market. I spot an unmistakable figure as we draw nearer, and I see Ezra visibly deflate as August turns and spots us. Their eye roll isn't subtle, but I try to put Ezra at ease by placing my hand on his back and giving him a reassuring smile. He takes a deep breath and returns the smile, his shoulders relaxing a bit.

August clings to their glass of mulled wine like a lifeline, sighing heavily as we approach. "Ezra, Maia. I trust you're both enjoying the festival?" Ezra clears his throat, looking up at those ice-blue eyes. “Yes, we are. How about you? That wine looks delicious.” They tilt their cup, studying the dark red liquid, a stick of cinnamon adding to its charm. “Yes, well, wouldn’t be the Lunar Festival without copious amounts of alcohol to pass the time, would it?” Ezra puts on a polite smile, but I can sense his discomfort as his back tenses beneath my hand.

“It’s been nice seeing you. We’d better get going,” Ezra says, looking at me for support. I give him an understanding smile, patting his back before placing my hand back at my side. I turn towards August and nod politely, "It was good to see you. We have to be on our way now." August nods in acknowledgement, "Well, enjoy yourselves, wherever you're headed. Farwell." We walk away in silence, and I can sense that Ezra is feeling a bit deflated after our brief encounter with the Enforcer General.

The new section of the market is noticeably more vibrant, bustling with a larger crowd than any other area. Ezra tilts his head, motioning for me to accompany him to a quieter spot. "You alright?" I inquire as we move away from the throng. Ezra lets out a soft sigh, his face contorted with sorrow as he gazes at me. “Sorry. I’m fine, I just… I find it hard seeing Gus.” He heaves a heavy sigh, casting his eyes downward. “They make it hard.”

Leaning forward, I meet Ezra's gaze and offer him a gentle smile. "If something is bothering you, you know you can talk to me about it, right?" He lets out a deep sigh, fidgeting with the hem of his coat and avoiding eye contact. “I wouldn’t know where to begin. I’ve known Gus since I was very young, and our friendship was never easy.” I nod in understanding. “They seem complicated.” Ezra nods once, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth. “They didn’t have much of a support system when they were growing up, and I think… well, I think they envied me. It sounds so silly saying it out loud.”

My eyes soften as I speak in a gentle tone, “Have you ever spoken to them about it?” He shakes his head slowly, “I’m sure they’ll come to me when they’re ready. Giving them space is important, that much I know.” I hum in agreement and offer, “If you ever need help or just a friendly ear, I’m here.” He looks at me with gratitude, his eyes shining. “I appreciate. Gus is a good person, though. One of the best. Don’t let our issues put you off them.” He clears his throat, bright eyes darting around the market.

"Anyway," he begins, smiling at me with a twinkle in his eye, "I heard a little rumor that there might be a band playing somewhere around here." Scanning the surroundings, his gaze settles behind me, and he inhales sharply before pointing, "Oh! Here, look..." I turn around, and sure enough, a band is setting up near the trinket stands. The music starts, and a crowd of people eagerly gathers around them, swaying and dancing to the beat.

Ezra steps closer, extending his hand with a cheeky wink. “May I have this dance, fair Hunter?” I smile and step forward, raising my hand. “I would be delighted, kind Witch.” As we move closer, Ezra takes my hand and gently places his other hand upon my waist. A faint blush appears on his face as he looks into my eyes and asks, “Are you ready?” The warmth of his hand against my skin sends a shiver down my spine, and I can feel the heat of his body as he pulls me close.

Our hands intertwined, I feel the warmth of his grip as I place my other hand on his shoulder. I get lost in the glow of his green eyes as I breathlessly respond, “I’m ready.” A stunning smile spreads across his face, and he laughs, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. “Keep up,” he says, playfully challenging me as the music begins to swell around us.

Our bodies move in perfect sync with the cheerful and fast-paced music. As we spin and step to the beat, Ezra's laughter fills me with a sense of magic. Despite my best efforts, I find myself starting one too many times, completely entranced by the depth of his emerald eyes. Our bodies pressed closely together, I feel lost in the moment, almost forgetting where I am and who I am. As the song reaches its end, Ezra finishes the dance with a dramatic flourish, impressively dipping me back.

As he holds me tighter, laughter escaping from his lips as he flings me backward. Pulling me upright. I try to regain my composure, missing the feeling of his arms around me. He grins widely, his voice full of excitement, "That was amazing!" The sound of applause breaks me from my daze, and I realize that we had gathered quite an audience. But at that moment, all I can focus on is Ezra. He smiles at me, his cheeks tinted pink as his eyes soften, "You're quite the dancer. I'm impressed."

In the distance, the loud boom of the fireworks echoes through the night, and Ezra grabs my wrist, his eyes alight with excitement. “Quickly, we’ll miss them,” he says, tugging me along. We weave through the crowds, dodging people left and right until we reach the docks. We skid to a stop at the edge of the crowd, both of us breathless and laughing, our cheeks flushed with exhilaration.

Ezra’s grip on my wrist is firm and steady, and I can’t help but feel a rush of warmth spread through me at his touch. We both look up at the sky, the colors of the fireworks painting dazzling patterns against the backdrop of the twinkling stars. It’s a sight to behold, but I find myself wanting to take in another sight - the look on Ezra’s face as he watches the display, the joy and wonder etched into every line and curve.

Bathed in the shifting light, he looks like a work of art, his smile wide and far brighter than any firework. My heart swells with warmth as I take in the sight before me. “Thank you for tonight, Ezra,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. He turns to face me, his eyes wide with surprise. Slowly, he takes my hand, his fingertips feather-light against my palm. “I enjoyed myself tonight. With you,” he says softly as the last of the fireworks fade away. The crowd cheers, but it's like we're in our own little world. I find myself leaning closer to him, my body moving almost unconsciously. He smiles softly, and I can feel the heat radiating from his body.

Then…

A terrible and blood-curdling scream rings out somewhere in the distance.

~ I'm a sucker for Ezra from When The Night Comes by Lunaris Games <3

I’m playing When the Night Comes bc I’ve been into VNs lately (especially LGBT+) and I made three characters using different pronouns for what I consider 9 routes (technically 18 if you consider good and bad endings). I have she/her Nadine, they/them Elle, and he/him named James. Bc I just started the game with pronouns at the top and worked my way down before skipping the playthrough, I started with James… which means I didn’t realize that voice James wasn’t my character from the future or something else entirely until it was revealed in game bc I hadn’t swapped protagonists yet.

For the first two chapters, I thought there was going to be an alternate self as ghost subplot and I was so confused. I’m glad I’m not anymore but I’m seriously considering starting over to change my character’s name.