CHAPTER 066: Indigo Pheonix

There’s a naked man in my living room.

Okay, he’s not completely naked, but boxers and flip-flops hardly count as fully dressed. I freeze, feeling like a stranger in my own home, waiting for this half-clothed intruder to acknowledge me. But he doesn't. He didn’t even hear me come in—he’s got AirPods in his ears, his eyes are closed, and he's lounging like he owns the place.

I realize standing here like a stalker isn’t getting me anywhere. I have to be the one to break the ice.

"Hi," I say, stepping forward, trying not to sound too awkward.

Nothing. He doesn’t flinch. Not even a twitch.

Great. I move closer, hesitating just a second before I reach out and tap him gently on the shoulder.

His eyes snap open. Wide, unblinking, and... strange. His irises aren’t round—they’re vertical, like a cat’s. I nearly take a step back. Contact lenses, maybe? Whatever it is, they’re unsettling.

He stares at me for a moment, not moving, just... staring. Then, after what feels like an eternity, he fina