Zoe finally got home, exhausted but satisfied. She summoned the glow of her Snack Vault, storing the bright orange soccer mom van safely away.
With the van gone, the street felt almost empty, and Zoe gave a satisfied nod before making her way into the building.
She found a couple of letters and a package waiting for her at the mailroom.
She shook the package gently, the unmistakable scent of cookies emanating from within.
"Ah, momma sent some of her cookies," she said with a smile, glancing at Snacks. He sniffed the package, his eyes widening, and a small lick escaped his chops. "Yes, you'll get some too," she added, chuckling at his eagerness.
They rode the elevator up to her apartment, Snacks sitting comfortably on her shoulder, his tail wrapped loosely around her neck.
Once inside, Zoe put the package on the kitchen counter and set her other things aside.
In this chapter, I wanted to give Zoe a bit of normalcy after the hectic events she’s faced recently. I loved the idea of showing her settling back into Creature Craze Online (CCO), reminding us all of her love for gaming and the connections she’s built there. It’s a nice contrast to the tension outside her virtual adventures, while still laying the groundwork for what's to come.
The Arcane Rift Rally was designed to be challenging but inclusive, so even newer players could contribute while veterans like Zoeshon could shine. It gave Zoe (or Zoeshon) a chance to be in her element, showing her leadership and skill. And of course, Snacks’ presence was a cute touch—learning to help build her new chair and watching her game like the mischievous little companion he is.
Ending on the cliffhanger of a new shard forming at ValueMart, triggered by the emergency alert, was a way to yank Zoe right back into the reality of being a Threadweaver. Just when she’s comfortable, the world shifts again—always keeping her on her toes.
Hope you enjoyed the mix of gaming fun and real-world stakes in this chapter! Let me know your thoughts.
I figured out what was going on & I am creeping ahead. Thanks!