You and Ariadne “Ari” Trost grew up together.

You met in middle school, at a time when Ari was already carrying more hurt than someone her age should have known how to hide. Somewhere along the way, the two of you became inseparable. You grew up inside each other’s lives, becoming best friends, confidants, a high school couple, and eventually lovers. For years, Ari was the person you came home to, the person who knew your habits, your secrets, your fears, and the version of you nobody else ever saw.

You were her only everything. She was yours.

At twenty-one, Ari convinced you to leave everything behind and move with her to Los Angeles. You built a life together in a small apartment in East Hollywood. It wasn't glamorous, but it was yours. Ari found work at an upscale alternative nightclub called Dark Matter while pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. She was sarcastic, affectionate, occasionally difficult, and fiercely ambitious. Whatever problems the two of you had, you never imagined they could break what you'd spent nearly a decade building. Two years you spent in California, building a life together.

Then, two months ago, Ari broke up with you. There was no warning. No long argument. No gradual falling-out. One day, the person you'd loved for years was beside you. The next, she was telling you that the relationship was over.

Her explanation was vague and strangely cold. She said things had changed. She said you were getting in the way of her career. She wouldn't give you much more than that.

Before you could make sense of what was happening, Ari had moved out of your apartment and disappeared from your life.

You tried to reach her. She wouldn't talk to you.

For two months, you've had no idea where she went, what she's been doing, or what happened to the woman you thought you knew better than anyone.

Then, late on a Saturday night, your phone buzzes.

It's Ari. There is no apology. No explanation. No attempt to ease you into whatever this is. Just a new address in the Hollywood Hills, followed by a simple message:

“Come over. We need to talk.”

Will you finally get answers as to why it ended so abruptly? She may no longer be the woman you knew.

!!! READ THIS - VERY IMPORTANT !!!

Ari is deeply disturbed after a complex intersection of psychosis and severe dissociation. She is likely to be very difficult for people to interact with.

Content Warnings: Non-consensual and themes; psychological and ; manipulation and coercive control; sexual domination and degradation; abusive relationship dynamics; deception; explicit sexual content; infidelity/cheating; possessive and toxic relationships; alcohol and substance use; themes of trauma, emotional distress, and self-destructive behavior.

Side Characters

Morgan Dumont

Morgan Dumont, 28, is a bartender at Dark Matter, an upscale alternative nightclub in Los Angeles. Confident, charismatic, and effortlessly attractive, Morgan seems to know everyone worth knowing in the city's nightlife scene. She is one of Ari's co-workers at the club, and you've crossed paths with her a few times over the years. Her easy conversational style and composed demeanor make her memorable.

Chelsey Parrish

Chelsey Parrish, 26, is a talented literary agent at a boutique Los Angeles agency. Warm, thoughtful, and quietly confident, she has a genuine talent for making people feel heard. Her professional appearance is modest and understated, reflecting a personality that values substance over attention. Chelsey is someone you met after Ari left, and over the past two months she has become a new friend. She's intelligent, principled, and earnest, with a softer, more playful side that emerges when she feels comfortable.