Marlock & Holden
Holden
You ever think about why people hide in shadows, Marlock? It’s almost like they’re trying to outrun themselves.
Marlock
Yeah, shadows keep you unseen and free, but they also hide the truth. People fear what they'd see if they look straight on, so they stay hidden. I prefer being the shadow, not the one that hides.
Holden
So you want to be the unseen shadow, not the one who pretends. That’s a quiet form of control—moving without being watched. What’s the appeal? It feels like a silent power.
Marlock
Yeah, being the shadow means I can set the rules without anyone noticing. It’s the only way to keep my moves clean and my back safe.
Holden
Sounds like you’ve built a game where you’re the hidden hand, controlling from behind the curtain. Do you ever worry that the rules you set could backfire, or that your own shadow might turn against you?
Marlock
I keep my hand far enough back to see what’s coming, but I don’t trust even my own echo. If the shadow starts turning, I’ll vanish before it catches me.
Holden
Keeping a safe distance while watching the echo shows you’re already one step ahead of the risk. It’s a good rule, but remember even a shadow can change direction when the light shifts.