From a dimly lit bedroom, a computer screen displays a simple forum page. Two users are sharing pieces of their lives, despite the hundreds of light-years between them:

  “Imagine a planet completely covered in oceans. That water—once the source of our existence—has become… according to what my father told me, our curse. The thing that could wipe us out from one day to the next.It’s terrifying to think about: seeing the horizon blend into endless water, and not being able to use it… or at least not directly, you understand?”

  — “Wait, Arix… are you saying you’re a Lothean? Like my adoptive father? I thought that amphibian species was almost extinct! You’re not actually from Trastarce… are you?”posts one of Arix’s acquaintances, intrigued.

  Arix hesitates before replying.His fingers eventually type:

  “I’m just as surprised as you are. Yes, I’m a Lothean. But… I had no idea some of us managed to escape the territory. Leaving this place is almost impossible.We live on land built by other terrestrial species. Relations are bad. Humans host us… as long as we share our treasures with them.”

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  He sends the message, still confused, then returns to his game. His headset broadcasts the voices of two other players; he jokes with them while keeping a worried eye on the forum tab.

  No response.One minute. Five. Ten.Twenty.

  Then a notification appears—short, almost aggressive:

  “Arix Cael’ren… listen to me carefully. If you value your life, leave that planet the moment you get the chance.Those treasures you mentioned don’t concern anyone— not even my daughter.Everyone who has used them has regretted it. Just like those from the Fracture. Your father must have told you.Protect your own. But never return to this forum.”

  Arix frowns.“Wait… how do you know my name?”

  He refreshes the page—too late.The user has blocked her account, vanishing without a trace.

  Silence fills the room again.

  His friends on the headset can tell something is bothering him, but Arix immediately withdraws.No way he’s going to explain.No way he’s risking trouble.

  His parents always told him: never talk to strangers.But this stranger… knew far too much.