Chapter 12: Geb Fortress 2
The streets had grown quieter as Alex strolled through the heart of Geb Fortress, his eyes occasionally flicking to the illuminated sigils etched into the cobblestones.
Each step he took was taken with a calm precision that allowed him to blend into the city’s ebb and flow without drawing undue attention. Yet, the tigress on his shoulder ensured he was never completely invisible.
"I don’t understand," the tigress began telepathically, her tone carrying a faint teasing lilt, "You’ve been walking all day. You barely need food, yet here you are, looking for something to eat. Feeling nostalgic for human habits, are we?"
"It’s not about hunger," Alex replied evenly, his gaze shifting to the rows of food stalls still open. "It’s about control."
"Control?" she echoed, tilting her head. Her white fur glimmered softly in the glow of the streetlights, drawing a few curious glances. "You mean, you’re eating to keep yourself... grounded? Isn’t that a little dramatic?"
Alex didn’t answer immediately. His steps slowed as he approached a modest food stall at the corner of the street. The smell of grilled meat and vegetables wafted through the air, rich and inviting.
"Call it a ritual," he said finally, stepping up to the stall. "A reminder of who I was... and what I’m not anymore."
Nyxara huffed, her tail flicking lightly against his shoulder. "If you say so. I’d rather have raw meat. But you don’t see me clinging to ’rituals.’"
"Nyxara do you want me to return to the space storage" Alex said,
"Pls no, anything but that, I would rather eat vegetables than stay in that lifeless place" replied Nyxara as her body shivered.
"Then keep quiet"