Skyla trotted down the hall, head hurting from the light. Those damn servants left all the windows open again. Figures. But it was fine. She could take this much. The sun burned but it wouldn’t kill her.
 
She had just rounded a corner when she saw an unwelcome sight. That frigging weirdo, Prince Incubus. He was standing in front of a wall, talking to himself.
 
“If you wish, this one could assist you.” He offered, his voice deep but lacking even the slightest bit of emotion. He waited a moment, as if listening to a response before continuing. “Nay, this one wishes to remain among them. They are…” He cocked his head, thinking of a way to explain himself. “hard to understand but this one feels we can gain more by~”
 
“What are you doing, fluffhead.” Skyla asked, staring at the stallion like he was crazy. Which he kind of was. Who the heck spent their afternoons talking to walls?
 
“Ah, it is the one who is followed.” He greeted, his deadpan eyes drifting over to her. As usual, she shivered, not liking the look in his eyes. They looked… way too deep, as if he could see far deeper into her soul. There was a reason she generally avoided her best friends brother. Said brother continued, looking over her shoulder. “He still weeps for you but you have deafened yourself to his pleading. Then again, one such as you never listens.”
 
“…Right.” She drawled, not understanding a thing but disliking everything about it. “Whatever, just move out the way. I have things to do.” She pointed with a wing past him at the door he was blocking.
 
“Things.” He echoed, his gold eyes falling on her bandaged wing. It twitched and trembled from pain but Skyla’s expression remained the same. “Did the ‘beasts’ attack you once again?”
 
Skyla flinched, wanting to punch this guy. Long ago, it was said that beasts had attacked her pet pig and now she was their target. No one but her family seemed to care but she knew a few doubted her claims. Especially that idiot, Flurry, always trying to find the damn things as if she was some kind of guardian. Incubus was also a doubter but less vague about it.
 
“What do you care?” She snapped, pulling her wing back to her side. It burned with agony from wounds not healed but she would be damned if she’d show weakness in front of this dumbass.
 
“This one does not.” He replied, looking close to rolling his eyes. “Caring is for those who are capable of doing so.” His eyes fell back on Skyla, watching her jump at the look. “Like you at one time.”
 
“Don’t go doing your weirdo psych shit, Fluffhead.” Skyla snapped, stomping a hoof. One of Incubus’ many talents, was seeing through ponies ‘masks’ as he called them. He revealed to them things they refused to see for themselves. Desert had told her all about it but she didn’t think he’d pull it on her. “I don’t need it.”
 
“This is true. You are not one who cares for such things.” He said, unfurling his wings. Unconsciously, Skyla took a step back, unsure if he was trying to pressure her or just stretch. Either was plausible for the stallion. “A heart as treacherous as a rose bush, but nowhere near as cherished.”
 
“Good to know someone understands.” She huffed, not hurt by his words. She’d heard worse. Besides, she didn’t want anyone to love. She just needed shelter. “So how about you try telling that to that idiot, Flurry. I made it clear that I don’t want her talking to me and yet-.”
 
“The snow princess sees you clear as day, hence her treatment of you.” He stated, cocking his head as he stared at her. Skyla scowled.
 
“She’s an idiot if she thinks acting all friendly will make a difference.” She countered. “I won’t ever see her as family.”
 
“She sees your judicious and tattered heart and seeks to reform it.” He explained, folding his wings back. Skyla, not wanting to talk anymore, tries to slip past him. He continues. “Her heart as pure as snow. She is quite admirable to seek to help a vagrant such as you.”
 
Skyla froze, her eyes staring at the ground. Standing side by side, his size dwarfing hers yet she glared back at him.
 
“…What did you call me?” She growled, teeth sharp as they gleamed in the light. Ink, despite the dangerous aura around her, remained calm and serene.
 
“Was the voice that eats at your mind talking as this one was?” He asked, looking down at her with curiosity. Her expression darkened as he continued. “Surely, this vagrant heard this ones words clearly but we shall speak more clearly if it’s troublesome for you.”
 
“This one has eyes that can see through many things. Faces, minds and hearts, all are laid bare before this one. Do you wish to know what is within you? A stray, dirty and starving yet forever biting the hand that feeds it. This one can see it all and while your actions have little effect on this vessel, those who breathe this life wish for nothing more than peace. So might you attempt to cease your barking.”
 

 
Skyla is despised by just about everyone in the Crystal Empire and the feeling is mutual. As such, they continue to get back at her in little ways, like leaving the curtains open around her room despite her UV allergy. But she doesn’t care, since she has other things to do.
 
Incubus, on the other hand, is a mixed bag. Mares adore him, since he is handsome and cool while stallions are just kind of creeped out by him. He sees too much and it makes ponies wary. But the walls like him well enough, telling him to come visit more often.
 
Note: Incubus is loosely based on Cole from Dragon Age Inquisition, so his way of talking is… more poetic than literal. He also refers to himself as ‘This one’ or ‘This vessel’ since he has a hard time understanding notions of ‘self’ and individuality.