I stood there for a few seconds longer than necessary, staring at something that was not fully there and yet very much present, and came to a conclusion that felt both profound and deeply unfortunate.
"Great," I murmured under my breath, rubbing my temple lightly. "It is my turn to be the interesting one."
That realization sat in my chest with all the comfort of a bad investment decision. Last time, I had been the curious idiot throwing coins at a mystery until it responded. This time, the mystery had apparently decided to return the favor, which felt less like balance and more like karma developing a sense of humor.
I shifted my weight slightly, keeping my movements slow and deliberate, because I had learned that sudden actions in this place were about as welcome as unpaid debts.
