“Rumi…?”

  At the prompt, they launched a hand forward and attempted to grab the front of my shirt, trying to drag me towards them and onto the bed. I easily caught the hand and placed my other on their shoulder, forcing them back down onto the bed and into the sitting position they’d had before.

  “Whoa there, tiger! Take it easy, let’s calm down and have a think about this for a bit, alright? Rumi?”

  Rumi looked like a caught fish; eyes wide and mouth gaping; the intense passion and heat between us was rapidly evaporating as they gawked up at me in astonishment.

  “Ah…ah! Wha—Good gods, what have I done? Vita… I am so… so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I just… the way you were looking at me, I just… oh gods, what happened?”

  So it was something I was doing—something in the way I was looking at them, apparently. But… I’d done nothing different, at least not that I was aware of. No sigils, no energy, no influence that I could think of, unless I was just so stunningly beautiful that people were overcome with the desire to sleep with me just by looking at me… but that sounded so outlandish that I couldn’t help but write it off completely.

  “We’re alright. I’m fine, you’re fine. Everything is fine. I think it’s been an incredibly long day for you, and I also think that being on the cusp of having a major struggle resolved for yourself has put you into an incredibly unique mindset. Agreed?”

  Rumi nodded, not saying anything.

  “Now… I don’t want you to get the wrong impression, alright? I didn’t stop you because I don’t want to sleep with you. I very much do. The reason I stopped you is that we haven’t known each other for even a day, and I don’t want us to leap into something we aren’t entirely prepared for. Does that make sense?”

  Rumi nodded once again with a little more immediacy.

  “Y-yes. That… makes sense. I honestly don’t know what came over me. I’ve never done anything like that before; I just… there was this… urge. A kind of hunger? I guess? I couldn’t stop myself. Oh gods, what’s wrong with me?”

  With my hand still resting lightly on their shoulder, I shook my head.

  “Nothing is wrong with you, Rumi. You’ve done nothing wrong; I’m not upset or offended, and my opinion of you hasn’t changed in the slightest. I think a broad combination of events and feelings has swept over you all at once and helped to lower your inhibitions.”

  I searched their eyes to ensure they were taking in the sincerity of my words. I didn't want them thinking they'd somehow offended me with their actions, as forward as they'd been.

  “I’m not sure how, but I think I’ve had some sway over you as well; honestly, I’m extremely flattered. So please don’t dwell too deeply on it. As I mentioned before, maybe once we get to know one another more intimately, we can pick up this thread again.”

  I capped off my response with a lighthearted smile to help hammer home the levity of the situation. Though, truthfully, I was somewhat concerned that my role in motivating this response was more involved than I could understand. It seemed to come about rather rapidly, and mid-conversation; while the topic had slid into moderately sexual grounds, there had been little, if any, open flirting.

  It was possible that their transformation had played a significant role as well, but the similarities between this event and my first time with Armela were striking. The variables the two shared in common were many; however, the two most prominent ones I could identify were their unique physiology and that they both had crystals inside them at the onset of the event.

  Armela, being a Wolfkin, tracked with feral lust and passion, but I didn’t know what, if anything, Rumi was. And I didn’t believe that the crystals would be responsible for a sudden and unprompted uptick in sexual desire… unless there was some kind of hard-coded compulsion to procreate baked into it somehow… I followed this thought to its logical conclusion. Assuming the point of the crystals was to hoard as much power as possible, then whoever had created them had a vested interest in ensuring there would be as many crystals in rotation as possible.

  This meant, then, that there needed to be as many hosts available at any given time as possible. So putting a compulsion effect into the crystals in order to push along the mating process only made sense. It also reinforced my earlier feeling that the planet had been repurposed as a farm. Curious now, I played back the events starting just before the change in Rumi. I filtered through several radiological scans until I hit on one that lit Rumi up like a Christmas tree.

  It was an ultra-low frequency radio burst—so low, in fact, that my scans hadn’t even alerted me to it because it was almost entirely masked by the remnants of solar wind funnelling down from the sun. It was something I wouldn’t have ever noticed unless I’d specifically gone looking for it. Normally, frequencies this low couldn’t actually interact with a person; the size of the wavelength made it physically impossible.

  However, in this specific instance, because of the interference of the crystal’s power, these beams of radio waves were being directed to interfere with incredibly minute signals being transmitted between Rumi’s neurons; effectively disrupting their natural thought process in order to attenuate their responses to stimulus. In this case, I suspected that meant manipulation of specific portions of their endocrine system in order to produce the desired hormone release needed for inducing arousal.

  The crystal was literally mind-controlling Rumi.

  Not in such an overt way as to command any specific action. But by subtle and imperceptible changes to pre-existing systems within their body. The implications of this didn’t escape me; while it was currently being used to increase sexual desire, it wouldn’t take much to change the desired result. Tiny shifts in targeted systems might cause changes to their entire personality.

  Increases in aggression or apathy, decreases in empathy or compassion, the removal of inhibitions, or controlled conditioning to release dopamine and serotonin when specific actions are accomplished. You could breed psychopaths like this. Encourage inhumane behaviour or reinforce damaging habits. The crystals could force an entire planet into hedonism and, ultimately, ruin.

  My mind once again flashed to the image of Armela swivelling her head to stare back at me. That blank, uncomprehending, unreasoning, unthinking gaze. It was as if she’d been filled with… nothing. Like the horrid, vacuous maw of the abyss had slithered out from between the folds of time and space and poured itself into her. I couldn’t adequately articulate the unnerving nature of that… entity, and I could feel its influence in what it was doing to Rumi.

  I faced a decision now; I could tell Rumi what was happening and give them the same option I’d presented to Armela, setting aside any personal problems I had with granting them such power. Or I could keep this to myself and let things continue on as they were. Obviously Rumi had lived this long without that awareness, and believing that their outburst was brought on by a combination of their fatigue and my ‘charm’ would probably be enough to skate through this predicament.

  I didn’t even know what the specific triggers were that would direct the crystal to apply these effects. There was no telling if it had been something I said, or a specific look that I’d given Rumi, or even just my presence around them. The fact that the crystal had interpreted something in our conduct and enabled the change within Rumi was enough evidence to suggest it was capable of more sophisticated monitoring techniques as well.

  I couldn’t rule out the fact that it might be listening, or even seeing; mentioning this to Rumi could very well attract attention I didn’t want from… whatever was orchestrating the spread of the crystals. I would need to let this go for now; I would also need to keep a keen eye on those who had been given necklaces. If too many crystals were destroyed too quickly, or in too concentrated an area, it was possible I’d attract the attention of their creator.

  If that were to happen, I wasn’t sure what consequences would inevitably come out of it.

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  “Vita..?”

  Rumi was staring at me, a slightly concerned look on their face. Apparently, my musing had carried more of my attention away with it than I had meant it to.

  “Sorry, Rumi. I guess it’s been a long day for both of us!”

  I ran back the past several seconds to catch her response as I released their shoulder and leaned back in my chair.

  “I think I’d like that…”

  It was a shy, quiet affirmation that warmed my heart. They’d accepted my words and had faced the future with a determined mind. They wouldn’t let this situation keep them down, and with a newfound source of camaraderie, they would fight to stabilise their self-esteem.

  “I’m grateful to you. It’s taken a lot of courage to open up the way you have, and placing that level of trust in me is humbling. Knowing that I can encourage this kind of connection with those around me continues to be a wellspring of motivation. I am sorry that this has gone on as long as it has, but I promise you, we are nearly finished.”

  I’d talked myself out of allowing Rumi into my inner circle for the time being; more time and a more robust relationship were needed before that level of power was offered to someone. However, I couldn’t allow the crystal to remain inside them either; I would need to change the mask to fill the same function as the necklaces to accomplish that.

  “As I mentioned before, I have a proposal for you. I believe Armela informed you that a small group of freed slaves will arrive within the next day or so. And it’s my understanding that you housed many of Corlun’s group as well. My hunt is not yet finished with the groups responsible for this terrible business, and many more people will find themselves liberated as my pursuit continues. I would ask that you become a bastion for these people.”

  Rumi’s eyes widened as the concept sank in.

  “You… you want me to be where all these people come? My inn? In Hilst?! Forgive me for saying this, but this village can hardly handle the folk already living here. The crops haven’t been doing all that well this year, and trade is constantly on the decline. I don’t know if you noticed, but there are a lot of keys still hanging on their hooks downstairs. Where am I going to get the resources to tend to these people? What about the wounded? What about the people who need to travel great distances to get home? I run an inn, not a triage camp.”

  I nodded, all valid concerns.

  “You won’t be taking on this task alone. Tomorrow I’ll be speaking with members of the village to work on a plan. With the leader deposed, there is now a chasm in the power structure here, one that will need to be filled in due time.”

  Rumi swallowed but remained silent.

  “All I’ll say for the moment is that you do not need to worry about your supplies and resources. I’ll ensure your continued operation by any means necessary. What I’m really asking you to accomplish for me is that you dedicate yourself to pursuing your dream of providing somewhere people can call home for however long they need it.”

  Rumi paused, their eyes glancing about before they responded.

  “I don’t know… what to say, Vita. This is a lot to just sort of… drop on me. Can I have time to think it over? I’ve gone from doubting my existence in Hilst to being asked to become some sort of continent-wide refugee shelter… operator? Owner? Would I really even have a business at that point? Gah! Please give me some time, alright?”

  I picked the mask up off my thigh, modifying it with the command to destroy the crystal within Rumi like I had with the necklaces.

  “That’s perfectly fine, Rumi. There’s still time to get your thoughts in order before you give me an answer. Please understand that this isn’t an obligation you need to accept. I would not demand it of you, nor do I expect you to accept as recompense for this mask.”

  I held it up between us and turned it over in my hand, studying its blank features.

  “You owe me nothing, and I do not consider you to be in my debt in any way; ultimately, I wish for you to live your life as you see fit, and if that means declining my offer, then so be it. I will support you to the best of my ability either way.”

  Rumi smiled softly.

  “Thank you, Vita. I mean it. Now… How does this mask… work? Do I just… put it on? Is there a chant I need to recite?”

  I presented the mask to Rumi and then placed it in their hands once they’d reached for it.

  “No, no, nothing of the sort. The mask will bond to you and only you. It will begin working immediately once you’ve put it on. It works by meshing seamlessly with your face and mimicking your appearance perfectly. All you need to do is think about how you wish to be seen, and the mask will respond.”

  They studied it as I had, running their hands over the smooth ceramic surface, searching for imperfections that didn’t exist.

  “It will notify you that the command has been received and will then lock that look in place regardless of what emotions you’re experiencing. It will only change again once you’ve instructed it to. Obviously, because of the nature of the mask, you’ll be able to eat and drink unimpeded. In fact, I suspect you will be hard-pressed to even notice it after a certain point. Go on, try it. I’ll hold this mirror so you can see how it changes.”

  I produced a mirror the size of my head and then held it up for Rumi to observe the mask in action. Slowly, they lifted the mask to their face and then pressed it against their skin; Apparently, the gripping sensation was immediate as they brought their hands away hurriedly to better see the changes in the mirror. For a moment the mask was inert, then, with a jump, Rumi was notified that the bonding was complete via a small projection into their retina from the corner of the right eye socket.

  With an incredibly liquid grace, the mask shifted and then settled into an exact replica of their face; it was as though nothing had happened at all. Like there was no mask there at all; Rumi’s hands shot to their face, squishing their cheeks and rubbing their jaw in pure amazement.

  “Vita!? I… I can feel the mask? I mean, it feels like my skin? What is this? How? And it just… disappeared? Wha- This is amazing! Can I change—oh!”

  The mask shimmered and was once again the pale theatrical mask that had been resting on my thigh.

  “Ah-ah, wait…”

  The mask shimmered again, and Rumi was staring at their original reflection in the mirror once more.

  “I really only need to think! This is a miracle! Oh Gods! Uhmm… wait, wait, okay—let me try… ah!”

  The mask blurred slightly before resolving into an incredibly handsome, incredibly masculine version of Rumi. A wide, square jawline underpinned gaunt cheeks and pale red lips. A strong nose ridge led into wide, well-trimmed eyebrows. They spent several moments exploring the look with their eyes and fingers before glancing over to me, an eyebrow arched, looking for input.

  “You look like an incredibly handsome young man, Rumi. Anyone would be proud to call you their husband just from your looks alone!”

  The mask did not protect Rumi from blushing furiously; however, even in the middle of their flustered reaction, their masculinity didn’t diminish in the least. This was immediately apparent to them as they wondered over their new, permanent, masculine self. Then they wept.

  Rumi cried for 10 minutes and 33 seconds in all. After the first minute, they reached a hand out and grasped mine, squeezing it fiercely as they bawled into their knees. I patted the back of their hand with my free hand, trying my best to console them as the flood of emotions took its toll. I smiled wanly to myself, understanding that this was likely to be my fate with seemingly every other person I interact with.

  There was either something about the way I was communicating with them, or the people of this world were walking around with so much repressed trauma they couldn’t help but cry the moment someone gave them a safe enough space to do it. Well, either that or I’d been cursed. This was probably Ava’s fault; it seemed like something she would do.

  5 minutes and 13 seconds into the torrent of tears and wails, Rumi tugged on my hand, beckoning me to them. At first, I assumed this meant that they wanted a hug, and that was initially what occurred. I slid forward off the chair and knelt just in front of their knees, guiding their arm to wrap around my neck and shoulders.

  Naturally, the renewed contact only reinvigorated the crying, but as they wrapped themself around my neck, they simultaneously hauled back on me, attempting to drag me up and onto the bed. I briefly considered declining, but the intense emotions circulating throughout the situation caused me to reconsider. Rumi definitely needed this right now, and so long as it was nothing more than platonic cuddling, I would allow it.

  I joined them on the bed, allowing them to manipulate me as they wished for maximum comfort. They turned slightly as I crawled up next to them, laying me on my side before doing the same just in front of me. They reached over to their side and grabbed my arm, bringing it across their chest and stomach like one would a blanket, sniffling and sobbing the entire time.

  We lay like that until their tears stopped coming and the sniffles died down; I wondered how many more times I would find myself in this exact scenario over the remainder of my incredibly long life. I didn’t hate it; in fact, these small moments of emotional closeness were actually quite nice. But listening to someone cry and weep was never easy; at least in this situation I could take refuge because these were tears of joy and relief.

  “Vita… I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before. In all my years, in all my travels, through all the people I’ve known and all the business I’ve done… I don’t think I have experienced a moment as great as this. I owe this to you completely. I meant what I said, that I would pay any price to get this, but now that I have it… I don’t think that any price I could pay would be enough. Thank you. Truly, sincerely, thank you.”

  Rumi choked out the last words as they once again came close to crying. I brought my arm up from their stomach to their shoulder and rubbed it reassuringly.

  “Knowing that I could make such a positive impact on your life is more than enough of a reward for my efforts. In truth, if it were in my power to do so, I would step back through time in order to prevent the troubles you’ve had to face until now. I know that sounds like sugared words to you, but I only ever want people to exist in satisfaction with their lives, you know?”

  I thought back to the privileged life I’d led. If I didn’t use the power I’d been granted to help as many people as I could, then I’d never make it to the end of my goal. I couldn’t allow myself to forget that humanity.

  “Happiness should be the baseline for all. Trouble and strife are inevitable, but with enough time and attention all things may be resolved without pain. I hope one day I can shape a world where this holds true for all. I also know that right now you feel as though you owe me a great debt, even though I’ve already explained that you don’t—I won’t fault you for that.”

  They turned slightly to regard me over their shoulder.

  “Instead, I’ll endeavour to come up with an adequate price for you to pay for the mask. I do not wish for you to carry on through your life feeling as though you have yet to settle your debts. Just don’t come crying to me when the price is steeper than you pictured!”

  I poked Rumi’s ribs to elicit some laughter, which turned out to be quite effective. They curled in on themselves while wriggling away from my probing fingers; gruff, masculine giggles escaped from them as they partially rolled to face me in their attempt to escape.

  While they laughed, their eyes caught mine and an electric spark passed between us before they quickly and precisely planted a chaste kiss on my lips. It was brief—a light peck before pulling back and turning away. I needed to capitalise on this momentum while I had the chance, so before they could speak or roll off the bed I spoke up.

  “Thank you, Rumi. For placing your faith in me. I promise things will only get better for all of us.”

  They stayed turned away, half poised to slide out of the bed and retreat to their own quarters before replying.

  “Yeah, they definitely will.”