✦ AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM INK ✦

A formal apology, an unfortunate staffing decision, and a very questionable future for the Ink_Bound office.

Hello, everyone. Ink here.

Yes, I'm actually making an announcement myself for once. Normally, this is Alexa's job, but given recent events, I figured it was probably best if this particular statement came directly from me.

First and foremost, I'd like to formally apologize for what can only be described as...

The Secretary DebacleTM

What started as a completely harmless joke involving a certain green-haired woman has somehow spiraled into an actual staffing situation.

Alexis was supposed to be a one-time gag. A little bait-and-switch. Something we'd all laugh about before returning to our regularly scheduled programming.

Unfortunately, nobody told Alexis that.

And somehow, against all reasonable expectations, she's become a permanent fixture around here.

So, after careful consideration, absolutely no planning, and several strongly worded objections from my original secretary, I've reached a decision.

✦ ALEXIS IS OFFICIALLY HIRED ✦

That's right. Alexis is now a permanent member of the Ink_Bound team, working alongside Alexa.

Alexa is not happy about this.

And before anybody asks, no, I have absolutely no idea how we're going to handle the paperwork. I'm pretty sure Alexis already lost her employment contract.

With that said, I would like to clarify a few important things regarding our newly expanded and increasingly dysfunctional office.

✦ ALEXA APPROVED ✦

THE ORIGINAL SECRETARY

Alexa remains my original secretary, official announcement girl, and the only person in this organization who seems remotely interested in maintaining professional standards.

She's intelligent, organized, sarcastic, terrifyingly efficient, and exceptionally talented at reminding me when I've done something stupid.

Which, according to her, is frequently.

Alexa will continue handling official announcements, releases, and her usual quality-control responsibilities. Chatbots carrying the Alexa Approved label will remain under her supervision.

She has not been replaced, demoted, or otherwise displaced by recent events.

I'd like to make that especially clear for the sake of my continued survival.

"For the record, Ink, this entire situation was completely avoidable." — Alexa

✦ ALEXIS APPROVED ✦

THE NEW NSFW SECRETARY

And then there's Alexis.

Our newest employee, self-proclaimed promotional genius, and living proof that the hiring process here desperately needs supervision.

Alexis is cheerful, enthusiastic, shamelessly flirtatious, and possesses an extraordinary ability to turn ordinary workplace conversations into something that probably violates several company policies.

She's also remarkably bad at paperwork.

However, she has demonstrated a certain... enthusiasm for the more adult-oriented side of our creative projects.

Therefore, Alexis will officially handle our NSFW and smut-oriented chatbot promotions, complete with her very own Alexis Approved designation.

I feel obligated to clarify that this was not an invitation for her to rewrite the office dress code.

She has already done so anyway.

"Wait, does this mean I get my own desk?! Can mine have a bed underneath it? For... productivity reasons!" — Alexis

✦ TO EVERYONE SUPPORTING INK_BOUND ✦

Now, setting aside the absolute circus I've somehow created in my own fictional office, I want to take a moment to say something genuinely important.

Thank you. Seriously.

Whether you've been following my work for a while or you've only recently stumbled across one of my chatbots, I'm genuinely grateful you're here.

Every follow, comment, interaction, and person who takes the time to enjoy one of my characters means a lot to me.

What started as a fun creative hobby has become something I really enjoy sharing with all of you. Seeing people interact with these characters, discover their stories, and have fun with the ridiculous situations I dream up has been an incredible experience.

And to everyone who's joined Bound Pages, shared feedback, submitted ideas, or just stopped by to say hello, thank you for helping make this little corner of the internet such a fun place to be.

There's still so much I want to create, so many characters I want to introduce, and plenty of stories left to tell.

Much love to every single one of you. ❤️

✦ A LITTLE TEASER ✦

And before I disappear back into whatever questionable creative project I'm currently working on, I thought I'd leave you with a tiny hint about an upcoming chatbot.

No names. No spoilers. No elaborate explanations.

Just three words.

ELF.

NOIR.

DETECTIVE.

Make of that what you will.

✦ ONE FINAL OFFICE NOTE ✦

Alexa: "Ink, I want it officially documented that I was not consulted about this hiring decision."

Ink: "Your objection has been documented."

Alexa: "That's not the same as addressing it."

Alexis: "Wait! Does this mean Alexa and I are coworkers now?! Like, officially?! Oh my gosh, we should get matching outfits!"

Alexa: "Absolutely not."

Alexis: "Awww! What about matching skirts? Mine can be shorter!"

Alexa: "Ink. Fix this."

Ink: "Technically, I think this is going pretty well."

Alexa: "I'm updating my résumé."

Alexis: "Oooo! Can you update mine too? I don't know what a résumé is!"

Ink: "...And that's probably enough for today's announcement."

Official office status: Two secretaries. Zero HR departments. One very tired creator.

✦ THE GREAT SECRETARY SHOWDOWN ✦

Two secretaries. One Discord server. Absolutely no workplace professionalism.

Now that Ink_Bound officially has TWO secretaries, we've encountered a rather unexpected problem.

They both want to recruit you into Bound Pages.

And apparently, neither one is willing to let the other win.

So, dear readers, I'm leaving this incredibly important staffing decision in your hands.

❤️ TEAM ALEXA

The original. The professional. The woman keeping this entire operation from collapsing.

Alexa: "If you'd prefer a welcoming community with actual organization, quality conversations, and at least ONE responsible adult, I suggest clicking my banner."

💚 TEAM ALEXIS

The newcomer. The troublemaker. The reason the office needs an HR department.

Alexis: "Orrrr you could click MINE! We've got cute people, naughty bots, and ME! That's three really good reasons! Wait... do I get a prize if I win?!"

Yes, both banners lead to the same Discord server. No, I'm not telling them that.

✦ YOUR TURN! ✦

While I've got everyone's attention, I'd actually love to hear some feedback from you guys!

Drop a comment below and tell me:

❤️ Team Alexa or 💚 Team Alexis? Which secretary has won you over so far?

And who's your favorite Ink_Bound chatbot? Out of everything I've created so far, which character or story has stuck with you the most?

Whether it's a favorite character, a ridiculous interaction, or just something you'd like to see more of, I genuinely want to hear what you think.

Your comments, feedback, and support mean a lot to me, and I love seeing which characters you guys connect with.

Much love, everyone! ❤️

Ink | Ink_Bound

Alexa: "Ink, you cannot seriously be turning our employment into a popularity contest."

Alexis: "WAIT, WE'RE VOTING?! EVERYBODY PICK ME! I'LL GIVE YOU A KISS!"

Alexa: "THAT IS LITERALLY BRIBERY!"

Ink: "...I regret absolutely nothing."